As part of the ways to give back to the communities where it operates, PZ Cussons, one of Nigeria’s top manufacturer and distributor of consumer products has launched its 2019 edition of chemistry challenge in Nigeria.
The Chemistry challenge is designed to promote the study of chemistry among students whilst demonstrating the relevance of chemistry in the society through an open competition amongst public and private secondary schools.
Top three winners will receive a trophy, a medal and N1,000,000, N750,000, and N500,000 respectively. Additional prizes include laboratory equipment for the winners’ schools.
Speaking during the a stakeholder parley to kick-off the 2019 PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge (PZCCC) in Lagos, Abiola Laseinde, head, corporate services, PZ Cussons said the competition is Nigeria’s number one pure science competition and an initiative of the PZ Cussons Foundation, supported by Premier, Nigeria’s number one Toilet Soap.
Laseinde said PZ Cussons Nigeria Foundation has continued to support Nigerian communities by supporting projects in the areas of education, potable water, health and empowerment.
She added that the foundation has completed over 58 projects in different parts of the country after the launch in 2007.
Also speaking at the event, Chinwe Remi-Lawal, general manager, RedWood Consulting, explained that since inception in 2013, the competition has grown to more than 3000 participants with an increase in pass rates of chemistry. In NECO, the pass rate of candidates with distinction grew by over 562percent, Credit grades grew by 34.5percent, Pass grades dropped by 46percent and the failed dropped by 56percent, which is a testament to the success of the competition.
“This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better with plans to take the competition to a wider audience across Nigeria. Hence, for the first time since inception, the PZCCC will be going pan Nigerian, with regional hubs located in Lagos, Port -Harcourt and Abuja, what better way to celebrate PZ Cussons 120 years in Nigeria?
“Target Audience for this edition still remains SS2 students and there is currently no limit to the number of participating students per school, in this vein we are calling on all secondary schools to participate this year,” Remi-Lawal added.
She said the registration portal opens on 27th February while the online CBT will begin 1st March till May 16th, adding that candidates from each zone (Lagos, Abuja and PH) who scale the first stage will then go to a physical center to participate in the second phase, which is another online test. This is scheduled for 25th May.
She said the third phase will take place June 15th for the shortlisted students and the grand finale will happen in Lagos on 27th of July.
Alex Goma, managing director, PZ Cussons, Nigeria said the competition will encourage students to read and develop interest in Chemistry.
“In a bid to improve the capacity of Chemistry teachers across secondary schools, this edition will include a two-day teachers’ training and a ‘Train the Trainers’ segment as a means to equip and reward chemistry teachers who are dedicated to building and impacting future generations,” Goma added.
IFEOMA OKEKE
