In a bold initiative aimed at reversing the worrying trend of declining education standards in Rivers State, the community group ‘August Meeting’ has launched the ‘Education Champions League Quiz Competition.’ This effort is designed to foster a stronger reading culture among the youth and improve academic performance across secondary schools in the region.
Recognizing the critical state of education in Rivers and nationwide, the group is fully sponsoring the quiz competition, which has generated significant excitement as it heads into its semi-final stage this Saturday. The competition promises enticing rewards, with cash prizes of N10 million for the winner, N5 million for the runner-up, and N2.5 million for third place.
Kingsley Wenenda Wali, a key advocate for this initiative and an educationist, emphasized the importance of this competition in the context of Port Harcourt’s vibrant culture. “In Port Harcourt, both our males and females share the same spirit,” he stated, noting the unique identity embraced by the city’s youth.
Wali, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, expressed pride in the community’s commitment to education, highlighting how the support for this event reflects the spirit of Port Harcourt. He remarked, “Our free spirit is embedded in our DNA, and we seize every opportunity to showcase who we are,” adding that the community has demonstrated overwhelming support for both the quiz competition and the August Meeting’s book review program.
The upcoming semi-finals will feature eight schools, including Federal Government Girls College, Enitonna High School, and Government Comprehensive Secondary School, with events held at Aladumo International School and Seacrest Preparatory School. The four top-performing teams will compete in the finals on October 26, 2024, at the Alliance Francaise Hall in GRA, Port Harcourt.
Wali acknowledged the invaluable contributions of local supporters, saying, “On behalf of the AM/ECL ecosystem, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude” to prominent community figures for their backing of the initiative.
As Wali aptly put it, “The ECL Quiz Competition offers a platform to support our children and showcase what the Port Harcourt spirit truly means.” He encouraged the community to participate actively, stating that the presence of “parents, uncles, aunties, and neighbors” will enrich this educational celebration. “Education is a celebration of knowledge, not a scam,” he concluded, reinforcing the collective responsibility to uplift educational standards in Rivers State and beyond.
