Delta Student Wins Top Prize at 2024 Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Master Sunmenu Abdurahman, a student of Alfred Jonah International School in Sapele, Delta State, has emerged as the star prize winner of the 2024 Annual Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition for Secondary School Students.
The prestigious award ceremony, held on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at Provil School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was organized by the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN).
During the event, Delta State Chairman of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Koide Owate, lauded the outstanding performances of students, teachers, and parents, and extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Secondary Education for their unwavering commitment to excellence. He expressed deep gratitude to Chevron Nigeria Limited, the long-standing sponsor of the Awokoya Chemistry Competition, for their consistent support, which has been instrumental in sustaining the programme.
Owate reflected on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had forced a three-year hiatus (2020-2022) in the award ceremony. He credited Chevron Nigeria Limited’s resilience and commitment for the successful revival of the program in 2023.
The Delta State contingent delivered a stellar performance, clinching the first, second, and third positions in the 2024 national competition. Owate urged the awardees to continue their dedication to the study of chemistry and to consider careers in science-related fields, which he believes are vital for personal growth and societal advancement.
The ceremony’s highlight was the presentation of plaques to the state prize winner, the runner-up, and the third-place winner. Other honorees included participating schools, teachers, and individuals who made significant contributions to the competition’s success.
The Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition, an annual event dedicated to promoting excellence in chemistry among secondary school students, underscores the importance of science education in Nigeria. It serves as a vital platform to encourage and support young minds in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The remarkable success of Master Sunmenu Abdurahman and the Delta State contingent reflects the state’s commitment to education and its determination to nurture future leaders in science and technology. As these awardees progress, they are expected to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large.
