FIRST E&P boosts STEM as varsity bags N50m

FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigeria’s next generation of engineers by supporting the maiden edition of the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), which culminated in the presentation of prizes to outstanding student innovators.

The grand finale, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, brought together participants from universities and polytechnics across the country after months of regional qualifiers, mentorship sessions, prototype development and boot camps.

A total of 984 students, organised into 375 teams from more than 80 tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, participated in the competition.

Speaking at the event, FIRST E&P’s General Manager, Engineering and Capital Projects, John Alamu, said the Olympiad reflects the company’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with practical engineering skills and an innovative mindset needed to address national development challenges.

He said initiatives such as the Olympiad provide a platform for students to transform ideas into practical solutions capable of driving Nigeria’s technological and industrial growth.

According to Alamu, investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is essential to building the country’s capacity to solve its own problems.

He also commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for initiating the competition and Enactus Nigeria for successfully implementing the programme.

Representing the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Silas Ajimijaye, thanked FIRST E&P for supporting the initiative.

He said the Olympiad aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, which seeks to strengthen indigenous engineering capacity and prepare young Nigerians to drive industrial competitiveness and technological advancement.

At the end of the competition, Team Mavericks from Modibbo Adama University, Adamawa State, emerged overall winner, receiving a ₦50 million cash prize alongside a Centre of Excellence building for the institution’s Faculty of Engineering.

The team’s winning innovation, Ubuntu Sapphire, is a community-powered rapid alert system designed to notify nearby residents and emergency responders during emergencies using affordable technology.

The University of Ibadan finished as first runner-up, winning ₦30 million and engineering equipment valued at ₦75 million for its Faculty of Engineering.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, secured third place, receiving ₦20 million and engineering equipment worth ₦50 million, while the University of Jos placed fourth and received ₦10 million.

Team leader of the winning project, Dr. David Patrick, expressed appreciation to the organisers and sponsors, describing the competition as a valuable platform that encouraged innovation, practical learning and problem-solving among young engineers.