Rivers school wins 2026 NLNG science competition title
Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has clinched the overall title at the 2026 Nigeria LNG Science Competition, edging out six other participating schools in a closely fought finale.
According to The Punch, the result was announced in Port Harcourt at the grand finale of the contest, organised by Nigeria LNG in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria.
A total of seven schools took part in the demanding competition, which tested students across Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and wildcard segments.
At the end of the contest, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri topped the leaderboard with 57,189 points. Niger Delta Science School followed in second place with 49,135 points, while Enitonia High School, Port Harcourt, secured third position with 47,686 points.
Other schools that participated included Government Secondary School, Eneka (fourth), Community Secondary School, Rumuomasi (fifth), Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Borokiri (sixth), and Comprehensive High School, Alesa, Eleme (seventh).
Winners in the top three positions were rewarded with science laboratory equipment, textbooks, laptops, and other educational materials, alongside additional undisclosed prizes.
In the science project exhibition segment, three schools also stood out. Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, emerged first with an average score of 83.3, while Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidigba, came second. Government Girls Secondary School, Finimah, placed third.
In her welcome address, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at Nigeria LNG, said the initiative has become a strong driver of academic excellence.
Horsfall explained that the competition had been redesigned to deepen students’ understanding of core science subjects, including Mathematics, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while broadening its scope.
She said that as the world keeps evolving, so has the vision for the competition.
“We have transitioned from a science quiz to a science contest. We want students to be able to apply their scientific knowledge to solving real-world problems.
“The world has enough fast talkers; it is now time to empower the problem-solvers who will drive our technological future.
“Our goal is to go beyond textbooks, sparking the critical thinking and innovation that our world so desperately needs. The journey to this grand finale has been a rigorous test of skill and resilience.
“Over the past few weeks, senior secondary school students from across the state have navigated the challenging Olympiad and championship stages.”
She continued, “With fierce competition and exceptionally high standards, the 2026 edition carries a renewed mission, powering tomorrow through science and innovative solutions.
“When I look at the young girls here today representing their schools alongside the boys, it gives me a particular sense of pride.”
Horsfall noted that an all-girls team had previously won the competition, stressing that innovation is not limited by gender or background.
“For our world to find the solutions it needs, the brilliance of students everywhere in this room is required.
“Our finalists, when you look at your projects or get asked questions during the contest, do not just see it as a competition but as a blueprint for the future,” she stated.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, praised Nigeria LNG for its sustained investment in education and scientific development across the country.
He said programmes like the science contest reflect the organisation’s commitment to nurturing future talent and supporting national development.
Describing this year’s theme, “Powering Tomorrow: Science and Innovation Solution”, as timely, Nwagor said it underscores the importance of investing in knowledge, research, and innovation.
He added, “It reminds us that the future we desire can only be achieved through deliberate investments in knowledge, research, innovation, and technological advancement.”
Nwagor further explained that education remains the foundation for scientific advancement, as it equips young people with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
He also noted that the administration of Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to strengthening education through improved infrastructure, teacher development, curriculum reforms, and greater emphasis on STEM education.
