Minister of Education,  Adamu Adamu, has commended the  Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) over their investments in education.

Adamu spoke recently in Port Harcourt  at the finals of the National Safety Competition for Senior Secondary Schools, jointly sponsored by SPDC-Joint Venture and FRSC.

He said the quiz competition which began in 2012 has instilled safety consciousness among senior secondary school students in the country.

“This competition has tremendously impacted positively on our children’s ability to becoming aware of their immediate environment.

“Aside the safety impacts; the competition has made students to take their studies seriously and improve on their reading culture.

“The ministry feels that this kind of competition should be sustained as it has potential to becoming a determinant factor that could save many lives on the roads,” he said.

Adamu, who was represented by Mrs Shotayo Olushola, an official of the ministry, said the ministry would support and encourage corporate bodies to invest in education.

Also speaking, Mr Osagie Okunbor, the Managing Director of SPDC Nigeria, said that 853 secondary schools with over 1,000 students participated in the 2015/2016 edition.

He said the participants represented schools from across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that two states could not participate due to ‘assess issues.’

“This competition is designed to encourage young people to think safety, so that as they grow up they will encourage their parents and peers to observe safety behaviours.

“We intended to expand the programme to accommodate more schools and students but unable to do so due to paucity of funds caused by low oil price and vandalism of our pipelines.

“SPDC will not relent in its commitment to investing in education in the country in spite of our dwindling revenue,” he assured.

Okunbor, who was represented by Mrs Gloria Udoh, SPDC’s Manager, Social Performance and Investment, said the programme would be sustained provided funds were available.

Earlier, an Assistant Corps Special Marshall, Mr Victor Nwokolo, said the corps decided to partner with SPDC due to alarming rate of road accidents on the nation’s roads.

He said in 2015 alone,  5,440 persons died on the nation’s highways, partly caused by human, mechanical and environment factors.

According to him, FRSC partnership with SPDC has been so rewarding to road users in areas of promotion of road use literacy; prompt care to crash victims.

“This competition has since its inception featured over 3,000 schools and our forecast is that in the next five years, over 5,000 schools will enter the competition.” he said.

Some participating students, who spoke to newsmen thanked the organisers for the programme, saying it had afforded them the opportunity to acquire knowledge in safety.

Micheal Okpara University Demonstration School, Umudike, Abia emerged winner, while Concordia College, Yola, Adamawa and St. Louis Secondary School, Kano came second and third respectively.