By Idahosa Musa
Little Osamagbe Jegede, a student of Baptist High School, Benin, Edo State, has bagged the 2025 Advanced Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (AGEMS) best student Competition award in Nigeria.
Jegede, a Senior Secondary School (SSS) III of the school, on Wednesday, was presented a range of educational items in recognition of her victory in AGEMS.
She was also honored with an award for academic excellence as the overall winner in the competition with laptops, educational tablets, sets of boxes, and undisclosed amount of money, amongst other prizes
Celebrating Jegede’s achievement in Benin, Mrs. Mercy Babawale, State Director NDDC, said that the competition was designed to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for girls in the Niger Delta.
Babawale highlighted the NDDC’s commitment to empowering future female leaders in science and engineering, with a strong 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 this competition, which took place in Port Harcourt, Jegede Osamangbe from Baptist High School in Edo State emerged as the best in the entire Niger Delta.
“When she was heading to Port Harcourt, I promised to celebrate her if she brought home the cup, and she did. Today, the Edo office of the NDDC is here to fulfill that promise,” she said.
Babawale explained that the competition involved three stages, with 10 selected schools from Edo State participating, adding that Jegede secured first place, representing both her school and the state in Port Harcourt.
“The competition was designed to support and encourage the girl child 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 first and proudly went to Port Harcourt to represent her school and Edo State.
“Today (Wednesday), we celebrate her academic excellence because she made Edo and Baptist High School proud,” Babawale added.
She emphasized that the achievement served as a reminder that women can succeed in science and engineering when they are committed and dedicated.
Babawale also announced that the NDDC office would distribute U-Lesson tablets to deserving students and install solar panels at Baptist High School to further enhance the learning environment.
She expressed appreciation to the management of the school, the parents association, the principal, and the science teachers who played a role in preparing Jegede for the remarkable success.
“I also want to specially commend her mother, Mrs. Abieyuwa Jegede, for raising our star girl in the way of the Lord, ensuring that she stayed focused on her academic journey,” Babawale concluded.
She, however, reinstated NDDC’s commitment to fostering the growth and empowerment of young girls in the fields of science and technology in the Niger Delta region.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Joel Agbolagba, the Chairman, Governing Board of Baptist High School, commended the NDDC for its commitment to empowering the girl child through initiatives like the AGEMS competition.
Agbolagba stressed that excellence was achievable through dedication and hard work, urging the students to remain focused on their academic goals.
In his remarks, Kunle Oladokun, the Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), encouraged the students to embrace STEM subjects.
He added that science now governs the world and shapes the future.
The AGEMS competition, organized by the NDDC, was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to mark the celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.
