Premier Academy Claims Victory at the 2026 Battle of the Energy Titans
Abuja’s Premier Academy has been crowned the overall winner of the 2026 Battle of the Energy Titans competition, surpassing 11 finalist schools. This event aimed to tackle energy poverty in Nigeria through innovative solutions.
Collaboration of Key Organizations
The competition was organized by the NNPC Foundation in collaboration with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED) and was a highlight of the annual Youth Energy STEAM Festival (YES-Fest) 2026.
Youth Empowerment at the Heart of the Festival
Under the theme “Young Innovators Solving Energy Poverty,” this year’s festival emphasized equipping students with practical skills for creating sustainable energy solutions tailored to their communities.
Wide Participation with Focused Competition
A total of 45 schools from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across Nigeria took part in the competition, with 12 schools making it to the final round.
Showcasing Excellence and Creativity
Premier Academy distinguished itself through its creativity, teamwork, and technical proficiency, earning the top award of the event.
A Well-Deserved Reward
As a result of this victory, the school celebrated not only with the largest trophy but also received a cash prize of 500,000 Naira along with educational books and learning materials.
Launch of the Energy on Wheel for Schools Initiative
The event also witnessed the unveiling of the Energy on Wheel for Schools project, a mobile initiative designed to provide energy education directly in classrooms throughout Nigeria.
Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
Following the award ceremony, Premier Academy’s principal, Chris Akinswong, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that it reflects the school’s commitment to excellence and innovation. He highlighted how this win further bolsters the school’s reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive education, emphasizing the vital role of skilled teaching and parental support.
Recognition from Industry Leaders
Ms. Emanuela Alukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, praised the ingenuity displayed by the participants, who presented a diverse array of solutions, including solar power generation devices, clean cooking techniques, mini-grid concepts, and waste-to-energy systems. She stated that the competition is instrumental in nurturing a new generation of energy entrepreneurs equipped with the knowledge and confidence to shape Africa’s energy future.
Fostering Creativity across Disciplines
Onome Wilkinson, Executive Director of the OLOGED initiative, added that the STEAM-based festival approach encourages contributions from both science and arts students, enhancing innovation in the energy sector. This initiative aims to deepen students’ understanding of energy’s crucial role in powering homes and economies, while motivating them to develop practical solutions to energy access challenges.
Distinguished Guests at the Finale
Among the notable attendees at the grand finale were Mrs. Florence Wenegiem, Chairperson of the FCT Universal Basic Education Commission, and representatives from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement, alongside principals and educational personnel from the participating schools.
