Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) on Thursday celebrated academic excellence among young science talents in Delta State, as it honoured winners of the 2025 Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to science education in Nigeria.
The ceremony, held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, attracted students, teachers and other key stakeholders from across the state. It was organised by Chevron, operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and CNL, in collaboration with the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) and relevant education authorities.
Representing the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr Jim Swartz described the competition as a reflection of the resilience, discipline and dedication of young Nigerians to the study of science, particularly chemistry.
“We are encouraged by the sustained interest and outstanding performance recorded in this year’s competition. It speaks to the depth of talent among our secondary school students and reinforces the need for continued investment in science education,” he said.
In a statement issued on Friday, Chevron’s Corporate Affairs General Manager, Mr Olusoga Oduselu, said the company has remained the sole sponsor of the Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition in Delta State since its inception in 1992. He noted that the initiative highlights Chevron’s enduring partnership with the Delta State Government and the CSN in nurturing future scientists.
“Our focus on education is inspired by the success stories of past beneficiaries, many of whom have distinguished themselves in science-related careers both within and outside Nigeria,” Oduselu said.
The annual competition honours the memory of the late Prof. Stephen Awokoya, Nigeria’s first chemistry graduate, who died on March 15, 1985. It is designed to stimulate interest in chemistry among secondary school students, with participants drawn from various local government areas competing through several stages. Winners receive plaques, certificates, cash prizes and other educational incentives.
The highlight of the 2025 edition was the emergence of Omazuwa Samuel of St Augustine’s College, Oghara, as the overall winner. Samuel outshone peers from across the state to clinch the top prize, while other outstanding students were also recognised for their impressive performances. The 2024 edition was won by Nwogwu Udoka of Delta Careers College, Ugboroke.
Chevron said its education-focused initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Nigeria’s National Policy on Education, adding that it continues to support school infrastructure, workforce development and scholarship programmes as part of its broader commitment to sustainable development.
Officials of the Delta State Ministry of Education, the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), the Petroleum Training Institute, teachers, students and members of the media attended the event.
