CSN promises university scholarship for 2018 best chemistry student

The Chemical Society of Nigeria, CSN has promised university scholarship for the secondary school student that will come out first at the National level of the 2018 Awokoya Memorial Chemistry competition if the student choses chemistry as course of study.

Our Oil and Gas Correspondent reports that President of Chemical Society of Nigeria, Prof. (Mrs.) Gloria Obuzor made the disclosure Saturday November 4 at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun in Delta State during the 2017 Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition award ceremony for secondary schools in Delta State organized by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in partnership with the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta State chapter.

Prof. Obuzor who was represented by E.P. Berezi, congratulated the winners, thanked the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture , even as he solicited for more funding.

According to Prof. Obuzor, Chemistry is more competitive than the Cowbell Mathematics Competition, “because we cover the 36 States of the country”.

Earlier in her address, Delta State Chairman of Chemical Society of Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Tina Olubukola Isichei, explained that the programme held annually in memory of Nigeria’s first Chemistry graduate and founder of CSN, late Prof. Stephen Oluwale Awokoya, is targeted at also sensitizing as well as encouraging the teaching and learning of chemistry.

Dr. Isichei stressed the need for increased funding of the yearly programme to enable the Chemical Society of Nigeria reach out to students in remote areas and strengthen its train the trainers’ programme with a view to accommodating more chemistry teachers.

According to her, prize winners of Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition have been monitored over the years and they have all proceeded to study chemistry at the University level, adding that they are excelling.

She expressed delight that students from public schools were among prize winners in the 2017 edition, saying the greater commitment so far shown by teachers and students of public (government) schools is “a ray of hope for our educational system”.

R-L: Prof. Mary Edema, Principal, Government College, Ughelli, Delta State, Evang. Godspower Odenema, Mr. Tony Emegere, E.P. Berezi , Dr. Tina Olubukola Isichei, past Chairman CSN, Delta Chapter, Prince Jay .O. Oghifo, Director, Pre-degree Program, DELSU, Abraka & Mrs. Joy Biyibi -Godson

In a message, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL Mr. Jeffrey Ewing expressed joy that the Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition has continued to grow over the years and achieving its intended objectives.

The CNL Boss who was represented by PGPA Superintendent, Warri, Mr. Tony Emegere noted that the corporate policy of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture is that education remains a veritable tool for personal as well as societal growth and sustainable development.

”We are pleased to that our contribution to education is helping to improve and develop quality man-power in different fields in Nigeria, including, but not limited to the oil and gas sector”, Ewing asserted.

While congratulating the winners and teachers, Mr. Ewing assured CSN and the Delta State Ministry of Education that the annual chemistry competition will continue to stimulate students’ interest in the study of chemistry as well as other science and technology subjects.

Provost of College of Education, Warri, COEWA, Prof. Mary Edema who spoke on career in chemistry, a strong pillar for sustainable development and entrepreneurial empowerment”, blame laziness of students on private firms which lay emphases on certificate instead of skills.

Dr. Edema quipped, “a Nation can only develop when it can equip students to be entrepreneurs instead of job seekers”, even as she implored the secondary schools and tertiary institutions to do more of practical than theory.

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Barr. Chiedu Ebie who was represented by Mrs. Joy Biyibi-Godson was among speakers at the ceremony.

\fresh Angle International can report that Esosuota Iroro Peter of Government College, Ughelli, won the first prize of the 2017 Delta State chapter of the competition, while Efemena Faith of Lords and Kings Academy, Warri came out second at the State level and overall 3^rd runner-up at the National level, leaving Isioma Nelson of Federal Government College, Warri with the 3^rd prize.

There were consolation prizes for some students, institutions and teachers.

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