An 18 year old and second year pharmacy student of the University of Port Harcourt, Abasiekeme Edet, has won the 4th edition of the national essay competition for undergraduates.
The contest was organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to promote research development in the oil and gas industry among students.
Edet’s essay, which was selected among the ten top best out of 100 students’ entry, was declared winner after his defence before the team of independent assessors from the academia.
He clinched the star prize and a laptop, while other top ten finalists also took home consolidated prizes and laptops to aid in their research works in schools.
Speaking after he was declared winner, Edet commended the board and dedicated the award to his parents and lecturers at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt and God Almighty.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote, said the board has already dedicated $50 million to sponsor research development in selected universities.
“Research and development is crucial for sustainable local content development, this is why the NCDMB recently launched a 10-year research and development roadmap.
“Our research and development roadmap seeks to support the culture of research and innovation in Nigeria and to support local content development in the oil and gas industry. To walk the talk, our board has a $50 million Nigerian Content Research and Development Fund.”
The Managing Director of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts and the contest consultant, Chief Eyinimi Omorozi, said the competition also creates awareness for youths to build capacities and competencies for the oil and gas industry.
