By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, Yenagoa Chapter, has held its maiden Inter-Secondary School Quiz Competition and Career Day, encouraging students in Bayelsa State to choose careers based on passion and personal interest. The event, themed “Inspiring Future Leaders Through Knowledge and Career Discovery,” was held in Yenagoa and featured seven participating schools out of the twenty initially invited.
Speaking during the programme, Chairman of the Yenagoa Chapter, Dr. Sani Abubakar (FNIM), said the initiative was aimed at helping students make informed career choices and motivating them to take their academic pursuits more seriously. He added that the competition would become an annual event with increased collaboration from government and private sector stakeholders.
Also addressing attendees, the Head of NIM South-South and South-East Management Centres, Mr. Ibrahim Lasisi, commended the Yenagoa Chapter for the initiative. He described it as a meaningful way of giving back to society and promoting academic excellence among young people.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Augusta Ekeowei, wife of a former Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, emphasized that genuine passion remains the foundation of success in any profession. She urged parents to guide, rather than compel, their children into specific careers. Mrs. Ekeowei also encouraged students to develop their natural talents while leveraging formal education and creativity.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mrs. Fidelia Mac-Ake, expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm displayed by the participants and advised them to cultivate a consistent reading culture.
In the senior secondary school category, New Total Child Academy took first place, earning N100,000. Blossom International School came second with N50,000, while Benny International High School placed third with N30,000.
For the junior category, Tamara Sterling Academy emerged winners with a N100,000 prize. Benny International High School secured second place with N50,000, and New Total Child Academy finished third with N30,000.
Participating students thanked the organisers and sponsors for the opportunity and appealed for the competition and career day to be institutionalised as an annual programme across the state.
