Edo State government says it is partnering Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) in providing the best educational opportunities to its school system and students.
Christopher Adesotu, the state commissioner for science and technology, made the disclosure during the grand finale of the 2018 annual LAPO quiz competition for secondary schools in Edo and Delta states.
Adesotu, represented by Ukpenbor Jonathan, director of science and technical development in the ministry, noted that there was no place in the world where education was singularly funded by the government.
He said the activities of LAPO had served as a springboard of success to many schools and students in Nigeria, particularly in Edo and Delta states.
He commended the organisation for its famous educational value programme as well as social responsibilities that cut across the showcasing of intelligence through competitive intellectual contests and massive procurement of science equipment to schools and award of scholarship to the deserving students.
The commissioner, however, disclosed that the state government was willing to collaborate with professionals and non-governmental organisations to create jobs and wealth.
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While explaining that all the major stakeholders in the country have realized the important role of science, technology, and innovation in driving rapid industrialisation and sustainable development, he opined that the country could still be salvage and repositioned for leadership roles in science, technology and innovation in Africa and the world.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, the founder of LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, Godwin Ehigiamusoe, said the quiz competition initiated in 2006 was geared towards the promotion of intellectual development among secondary school students as well as inculcate in them discipline and a competitive spirit.
Ehigiamusoe, represented by Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, executive director, LAPO, said the main focus of the competition was on science subjects, which formed the basis of science and technology, crucial in a developing economy like Nigeria.
He explained that over 300 secondary schools from Edo and Delta participated in the competition from the preliminary stages to the state level in which six best performing schools emerged in the grand finale.
At the end of the competition, Don Bosco Science Academy in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State emerged overall winner with 70 points to defeat Presentation National High School to second position with 65 points in the second round.
Don Bosco Science Academy and Presentation National High School had in the first round scored 50 points each thereby paving way for the second round of the competition, while Delta Steel Company, Warri, came third with 45 points.
Other schools that participated in the final competition were St. Michael College, Benin City, Mabo Hill School, Asaba, and Hussey College, Warri.
