Premiere Academy, Abuja, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 Battle of the Energy Titans Competition after outperforming 11 other finalist schools in a challenge focused on developing solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
The competition was organised by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation in collaboration with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED). It served as the highlight of the 2026 Youth Energy STEAM Festival (YES-Fest), an annual programme aimed at promoting innovation among young learners.
This year’s festival was held under the theme, “Young Innovators Solving Energy Poverty,” encouraging students to create practical and sustainable energy solutions for their communities while developing valuable Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills.
A total of 45 schools from the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of Nigeria participated in the competition. After several rounds of evaluation, 12 schools advanced to the final stage, where Premiere Academy stood out for its innovative ideas, strong teamwork, and impressive technical presentation.
As the overall winner, the school received a cash prize of ₦500,000, the Overall Best School Trophy, and a collection of educational books and learning materials.
One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of the Energy on Wheels Project for Schools, a mobile educational initiative designed to bring energy-related learning experiences directly to students in schools across Nigeria.
Speaking after the victory, the Principal of Premiere Academy, Mr. Chris Akinsowon, described the achievement as a reflection of the school’s commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and student development.
He praised the dedication of the teachers, the hard work of the students, and the support of parents, noting that such competitions provide opportunities for learners to showcase their talents beyond the classroom.
The Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, commended participants for presenting innovative projects, including solar-powered devices, clean cooking technologies, mini-grid solutions, and waste-to-energy concepts.
According to her, the competition is helping to nurture a new generation of young innovators equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to contribute to Africa’s energy future.
Also speaking at the event, OLOGED Executive Director, Onome Wilkinson, highlighted the importance of the STEAM approach in encouraging both science and arts students to participate in solving real-world challenges.
She explained that the programme helps students understand the critical role energy plays in economic development while inspiring them to develop solutions to energy access problems within their communities.
Premiere Academy’s success in the competition further strengthens its reputation as a school committed to raising innovative, solution-oriented, and globally competitive young leaders.
The three-day event attracted school proprietors, education stakeholders, policymakers, traditional rulers, and development partners from across Northern Nigeria, creating a platform for collaboration and innovation in education and energy development.
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