AKWA IBOM STATE PARTNERS SHELL, INTEL, INTERSWITCH TO HOLD NATIONAL SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

Adim Isiakpona, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Intel 

Nigeria, Bolarinwa Onaolapo, Sustainable Development 

Manager, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited

(SPDC), Honorable Iboro Ekanem, Commissioner for Science &

 Technology Akwa Ibom State and Ms Enyioma Anaba, 

Head Marketing, Interswitch Transnational at the 2014 National 

School Science Fair press conference held in Uyo,

 Akwa Ibom State yesterday.

The National School Science Fair, which brings together secondary school students from across the country, will be hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Government this year. The event is sponsored by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Intel Corporation, and Interswitch. 

The commencement of the Science fiesta was announced at a press conference held in Uyo Akwa Ibom, State. The Fair will accommodate pupils from the thirty-six (36) states plus the FCT Abuja and will give them the opportunity to showcase their independent research projects and inventions, as they try to solve the challenges faced in their local communities.

Science teachers who accompany the students to the Fair will participate in a one-week Science Educator Academy, where they will learn about current trends in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), including project management and mentoring of young scientists.

SPDC’s General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Nedo Osayande said: 

“We’re pleased to be part of the success of the National Science Fair. We believe that, by encouraging the young ones to take interest in science subjects, we will be laying a solid foundation for the technological development of Nigeria. This has also informed the different educational programmes that SPDC and other Shell companies in Nigeria are implementing in the Niger Delta and throughout the country”.

Country Manager, Intel Nigeria, Olubunmi Ekundare while explaining the mechanics of the competition stated, “We encourage interested students to submit their original research work. The best six (6) projects will qualify to feature at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) which will holds in Los Angeles from May 11-16 2014. Over 4 million dollars in prizes and scholarships will be awarded to winners.”

Also speaking at the conference, Group Managing Director, Interswitch Transnational, Mitchell Elegbe, said “Interswitch proudly supports the National Festival of School Science Quiz and Fair competition. We remain committed to providing people development platforms that would help young Nigerians play active roles in national development in technology and beyond. This is quite essential as Nigeria strives towards becoming one of the Top-20 world economies by 2020”.

As host to this year’s Fair, Commissioner for Science & Technology, Akwa Ibom State, Engr. lboro Ekanem, said, “Nigerian students have consistently given a good account of themselves at International Fairs. I am certain that the successful winners of the National School Science Fair   will excel at the 2014 Intel ISEF.”