Osamagbe Jegede, a student of Baptist High School, Benin City has emerged the overall winner in the 2025 Advanced Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (AGEMS) competition after defeating about 180 other students.
The competition organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) for the nine NDDC states was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to mark the celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.
Jegede, who emerged as the overall winner in the competition, was honoured with an award for academic excellence as the AGEMS Best Student of 2025.
She was also presented with instructional materials such as laptops, educational tablets, sets of boxes, and an undisclosed amount of money, among other prizes.
Presenting the award to the student, Mercy Babawale, State Director NDDC, said that the competition was designed to bridge the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for girls in the Niger Delta.
Babawale highlighted the NDDC’s commitment to empowering future female leaders in science and engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable development through innovation and technology.
According to her, this year’s AGEMS competition was part of our programme to commemorate International Women’s Day.
“In this competition, which took place in Port Harcourt, Jegede Osamangbe from Baptist High School in Edo State emerged as the best in the entire Niger Delta states.
“When she was heading to Port Harcourt, I promised to celebrate her if she brought home the cup, and she did. Today, the Edo office of the NDDC is here to fulfil that promise,” she said.
She posited that the competition involved three stages, with 10 selected schools from Edo State participating, adding that Jegede secured first place, representing both her school and the state in Port Harcourt.
Babawale added that the competition was designed to support and encourage the girl child to excel in STEM fields.
“Ten schools from Edo were chosen, and a Computer-Based Test (CBT) was conducted in three stages.
“Miss Jegede emerged first and proudly went to Port Harcourt to represent her school and Edo State.
“Today, we celebrate her academic excellence because she made Edo and Baptist High School proud,” she added.
She opined that her achievement served as a reminder that women can succeed in science and engineering when they are committed and dedicated.
Babawale also announced that the NDDC office would distribute U-Lesson tablets to deserving students and install solar panels at Baptist High School to further enhance the learning environment.
she, however, commended the management of the school, the parents’ association, the principal, and the science teachers who played a role in preparing Jegede for the remarkable success.
“I also want to specially commend her mother, Mrs. Abieyuwa Jegede, for raising our star girl in the way of the Lord, ensuring that she stayed focused on her academic journey,” she stated.
Babawale, however, restated NDDC’s commitment to fostering the growth and empowerment of young girls in the fields of science and technology in the Niger Delta region.
On his part, Joel Agbolagba, chairman, Governing Board of Baptist High School, commended the NDDC for its commitment to empowering the girl child through initiatives like the AGEMS competition.
Agbolagba, who noted that the excellence was achievable through dedication and hard work, urged the students to remain focused on their academic goals.
