TheCable

Eighty-one students have advanced to the second stage of the Brightest National Agric Science Quiz Contest, a competition to promote the study of agricultural science with technology across high schools.

The contest is organised by JustMedia Production, an ideation and content production firm, and sponsored by OCP Africa, BlackCountry Farms and Providus Bank.

The 81 qualified students were selected from a pool of over 16,000 applicants from over 2000 secondary schools (public and private) across Nigeria who participated in the online national qualifying examination.

Selected students will proceed to the second stage which will have them converge in Lagos to battle it out in an IT-driven TV quiz show to determine the winners for the season.

Some of the students taking a pledge

The Brightest National Agric Science Quiz show will be transmitted from April 2024 on DSTV Africa Magic Family, AIT Network, TVC Lagos and across the contest’s digital platforms.

Emmanuel Akinbola, one of the qualified students from Maitrebuilder Schools, said although all participants are brilliant minds, he has a “100 percent” chance of winning the quiz competition.

Emmanuel Akinbola

The 15-year-old, who hopes to become an engineer, said he would dedicate himself to the knowledge of technology and conjure innovation to help improve agricultural output.

“It feels good to be part of the finalist. We have just been coached against nervousness and told to look at our goals. And not be jittery about the competition. All the participants here have brilliant minds, and the winner might just be the person who puts in more effort. I believe I have a 100 percent chance of winning this competition. I believe in God,” Akinbola said.

“I want to be an engineer when I grow up. Since I was younger, I have loved technology. I enjoy tweaking radios and coupling home appliances. I believe that technology will bring about change in the world. Agriculture depends on technology, and we can see how much tech innovations have impacted food production.”

Tiaminu Omotola, another student from Al-Amin College, said she was initially sceptical about her chances of making it to the second round.

Omotola

The 15-year-old said she is aiming for the finals after making it through to the second stage.

“I am excited because, at first, I thought I could not do it because of the number of participants. Now that I am in the top 81, I think I can make it to the finals,” she said.

AbdulRaheem Abdullah, another selected student from UNIMAID Demonstration College in Borno, said he hopes to be a medical doctor but admitted that “agriculture is life”.

Abdullah said humanity can eradicate “hunger, poverty and unemployment” by emphasising more on agriculture.

“I am trying my best to win the competition. I have the chance to be among the top candidates. I have been reading and practising,” Abdullah said.

“I have learnt that agriculture is life. If we, as a society, can focus on agriculture, we can eradicate hunger, poverty and unemployment.

“I want to become a medical doctor in the future because I want to help people, especially those suffering from disease and help the poor people.”

Onuigbo Chinemerem, a student from SMAC College, said the preparation for the competition had taught her great lessons about life.

The 13-year-old said she learned to be “a hero” and use her knowledge and talent to help people.

“It is a great opportunity for me, and I have learned a lot. I have learnt that we should attempt to be a hero and use our opportunity and talent to help others,” Onuigbo said.

Here is the full list of the 81 students selected for the next round of the Brightest National Agric Science Quiz.

Some of the students participate in group work

Presentation by some students