Sixteen-year-old Emmanuel Ejiogu Onyekachi of Miketoy College, Ikotun, Lagos State, has emerged winner of the first Chemistry Challenge sponsored by PZ Cussons.
Emmanuel, an SS3 student, with a cumulative score of 83.5 per cent, beat three others at the grand finale to emerge first. He came first at every stage of the competition which had 1,270 candidates in stage one, 97 in stage two and four finalists.
He was rewarded with N700,000 cash, a laptop, a trophy and gold medal, while his chemistry teacher, Mr. Jossy Ogunniyi, won N100,000. Chemistry books worth N100,000 were also presented to his school.
In second position was Obi Uchenna David of Barachel College, Ifako-Agege, who scored 62.2 per cent. He was presented with a cheque of N500,000, a laptop and silver medal, while his chemistry teacher, Mr Ojo Sunday went home with N60,000. His school also had chemistry books worth N50,000.
Coming third with 56 per cent was Mgbemena Thankgod of Leeland International College, Oregun, Ikeja. He went home with N400,000, a laptop and bronze medal. His chemistry teacher, Mr Ugwoke Johnson Ikenna, won N40,000 while his school received N50,000 worth of chemistry books.
Third runner-up Victor Ike-Okoro of Top Grade Secondary School, Surulere pulled a total of 44 per cent and had a cash prize of N300,000, a laptop and a consolation medal while his chemistry teacher, Mr Odinibe John Nnani got N20,000 and his school had N50,000 worth of chemistry books.
Relieved at the end of the rigorous final stage, which included a practical session, Emmanuel expressed gratitude to God, his parents, teachers and the organisers, as well as the other finalists who he said provided him stiff competition.
“I was shivering during the practical. While mixing the chemicals, I did something that would have messed everything up but I quickly made up for it.”
