Three secondary schools in Delta and Edo states have won N6.5million worth of science equipment for emerging the overall winner, first and second runners-up in the 2025 LAPO annual quiz competition.
The overall winner and the two runner-up schools received prizes and science laboratory equipment from LAPO Microfinance Bank, organisers of the annual competition.
The three schools emerged the winners out of over 200 public and private secondary schools that competed for the quiz competition in the two states.
At the keenly contested competition, First Class Private Academy, Warri, Delta State emerged the overall winner, followed by Divine Providence Education Centre, Benin City, Edo State and Delta State University Secondary School, Abraka, Delta State.
The First Class Private Academy, Warri scored 90 points to defeat Divine Providence Education Centre, Benin City, Edo State that got 80 points.
The two schools got 65 points each in the first round of the competition, however, the First Class Private Academy, in the second round scored 25 points while the Divine Providence Education Centre, Benin City, scored 15 points to emerge the first runner-up.
For the second and third positions, Delta State University Secondary School, Abraka, Delta State, got 90 points to clinch the third position after defeating University Preparatory Secondary school, Benin City, which scored 80 points.
The two schools in the first round scored 55 points each, thereby paving the way for a second round. In the second round both schools scored 15 points respectively.
In the third round, Delta State University Secondary School, Abraka, scored 20 points while UPSS, Edo State, got 10 points
In welcome remarks, Faith Osazuwa-Ojo, president, LAPO, said that the annual competition was instituted in 2006,as the organisation’s modest contribution to the revitalisation of the secondary education sector.
Osazuwa-Ojo explained that the objectives of the competition include promoting healthy academic competition amongst secondary students, encouraging the spirit of excellence, and building intellect, especially in the area of science subjects.
In her address, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, managing director, LAPO Microfinance Bank, added that in this year’s exercise, over 200 pupils took part in the preliminary process, noting that the quiz competitions are more than just a test of memory or speed.
Ikponmwosa, represented by Brandie Stevens – Igbe, head, Sustainability LAPO MfB, posited that competition was a celebration of curiosity, critical thinking, teamwork, and the joy of learning.
“Your collective effort embodies the spirit of our organisation, a commitment to excellence, a culture of teamwork, and a passion for continuous improvement,” she stated.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Edo State and Delta State governments commended LAPO for the investment in the education sector through scholarship and quiz competition.
Paddy Iyamu, Edo State Commissioner for Education, represented by Mercy Imasuen-Isibor, deputy director, School Support Services Department of the ministry, noted by investing in the mental development of young people, the organisation is not only promoting academic excellence but also strengthening the human capacity base of the two states.
On her part, Rose Ezewu, Commissioner for Secondary Education, Delta State, opined that the competition is complementing the efforts of the state government in providing quality education for both public and private secondary schools in the state.
Ezewu, represented by Diakpomrere Meg Amirele, senior education officer, Ministry of Secondary Education, however, called on other organisations, philanthropists, public and private partners within and outside to emulate the kind gesture in complimenting government efforts.
