National competition: NDDC honours Jegede, 2025 AGEMS best overall student

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Edo office, on Wednesday, presented a range of educational items to Osamagbe Jegede, a student of Baptist High School(BHS), Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation was in recognition of her victory in the Advanced Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (AGEMS) competition.

Jegede, who emerged as the overall winner, was also honoured with an award for academic excellence as the AGEMS Best Student of 2025.

Her rewards included a laptop, an educational tablet, sets of boxes, and an undisclosed cash prize, among other gifts.

NAN reports that the AGEMS competition, organised by the NDDC, was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers, as part of the 2025 International Women’s Day celebrations.

Speaking at the celebration in Benin, NDDC State Director, Mrs Mercy Babawale, stated that the competition was designed to bridge the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for girls in the Niger Delta.

She emphasised the NDDC’s commitment to empowering future female leaders in science and engineering, with a focus on sustainable development through innovation and technology.

“This year’s AGEMS competition was part of our programme to commemorate International Women’s Day.

“In the competition held in Port Harcourt, Jegede Osamagbe from BHS, Edo State, emerged as the overall best student in the entire Niger Delta.

“Before she left for Port Harcourt, I promised to celebrate her if she brought home the cup— and she did!
Today, the Edo office of the NDDC is fulfilling that promise,” she said.

Babawale explained that the competition involved three stages, with 10 selected schools from Edo participating.

Jegede secured first place, representing both her school and her state at the finals in Port Harcourt.

“The competition was designed to support and encourage young girls to excel in STEM fields.

“Ten schools from Edo were chosen, and a Computer-Based Test (CBT) was conducted over three stages.
Miss Jegede emerged as the top candidate and proudly represented Edo State in Port Harcourt.

“Today, we celebrate her academic excellence because she made Edo State and Baptist High School proud,” Babawale added.

According to her, Jegede’s achievement serves as proof that women can excel in science and engineering when given the right support and opportunities.

Babawale further announced that the NDDC office would  distribute U-Lesson tablets to deserving students and install solar panels at BHS to enhance the learning environment.

She also expressed gratitude to the school management, the principal and science teachers, and the Parents-Teachers’ Association(PTA) for preparing Jegede for this remarkable success.

“I want to specially commend her mother, Mrs Abieyuwa Jegede, for raising our star girl with strong values, ensuring she remained focused on her academic journey,” Babawale said.

She also reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to fostering the growth and empowerment of young girls in science and technology across the Niger Delta region.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Joel Agbolagba, Chairman of the Governing Board of BHS, commended the NDDC for its commitment to empowering the girl child through initiatives like the AGEMS competition.

He encouraged students to embrace dedication and hard work, stating that excellence was achievable through perseverance.

Similarly, Kunle Oladokun, Chairman of the PTA, urged students to embrace STEM subjects, saying “science now governs the world and shapes the future.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)