By Freshgist
Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey Annual Science Quiz for Secondary Schools in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is slated to commence on Wednesday, 19th June , 2024 with 24 registered secondary schools in the area.
The Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin local government area, Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey unveiled this during a press briefing at the Council Secretariat yesterday, added that the science Quiz became necessary to properly equip students in critical thinking intensively, hoping that, the next generation of leaders and change - makers are among us today, as we are committed to empowering them through education.
According to her, "the objective of this competition, which is now in its fourth edition, was to foster a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and effective among students.
"We aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders and innovators. Last year, we expanded the competition to include private secondary schools, and Hope Academy, Ikot Ekpe emerged as the champion in the quiz while Community Secondary School, Mkpat Enin came first in the cultural dance competition.
"We are proud to have them on board and look forward to a continued collaboration with all participating secondary schools".
She further said, to continue improving the standard of the contest and carry the interest of other students not science inclined, debate has been introduced to accommodate students in the arts for diversity and inclusivity in the competition.
The competition, among other things include mouth watery prizes, recently introduced prize aim at motivating contestants, teachers and schools with a format that recognizes vital roles played by the critical stakeholders.
The quiz will cover the following subject areas; Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and General knowledge, while the debate topic: "Mainstreaming Agriculture in the ARISE agenda for Food Security" is inline with the "Food Security and Sufficiency" drivee of Governor Umo Eno.
The debate topic seeks to further create more awareness especially, at the grassroots on the ongoing IITA/FAO (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) debate on the primacy of agriculture in poverty reduction and food security.
The Council boss, appreciated the governor and wife, Patience Eno for their encouragement through the ARISE agenda, which has helped her internalize the programme in the grooming of students in the area.
"This competition is my contribution to the development of sound human capital for the growth of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. It plays a crucial role in long term productivity and growth at both micro and macro levels. This 4th edition will commence on Wednesday 19th June with the grand finale billed for Thursday 11th July, 2024. We will have twenty four (24) secondary schools competing.
"As the chief sponsor of this contest, it is designed to meet up with the Arise Agenda ideology of the Akwa Ibom State Governor's compulsory and free education in the State in order to boast self-confidence through re-enforcement and re-awakening of the reading culture and strengthening the folds of education in the Community", she added.
In his goodwill message, the state chairman of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Mr Michael Effiong, applauded Lady Bassey for her ingenuity to create a platform outside the classroom for students to contest critically to explore knowledge.
Effiong posited that the council boss's passion for education was bourn out of the fact that she is a professional teacher, adding that her administration has favoured teachers in the area.
On his part, the Former Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Education Monitoring, Mr Udeme Udofia credited Lady Bassey for keeping the flag of education flying even while she was no longer in school system, adding that education stakeholders in the state were impressed by her commitment and performance.
The well-attended event featured the members of the state leadership of STAN - Mr Kenneth Udoho, state vice chairman; Mr Owoideghe Udoakpan, secretary; Mrs Obongofiok Mark, state treasurer, Mrs Nsikan Effiong, assistant secretary; Pastor Amos Afia-Secretary, Mkpat Enin Local Government Transition Committee, and other members of the Quiz committee, science teachers, the four Clan Youths Presidents, among others.
