Premiere Academy Wins the 2026 Battle of the Energy Titans Competition

Funmi Ogundare 

Premiere Academy in Abuja has been named the overall winner of the 2026 Battle of the Energy Titans competition, surpassing 11 other finalists in a contest that sought innovative ways to tackle Nigeria’s energy poverty.

The event was organised by the NNPC Foundation in partnership with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED) and served as the flagship activity of the annual Youth Energy STEAM Festival (YES‑Fest) 2026.

With the theme “Young Innovators Solving Energy Poverty,” this year’s festival aimed to equip students with hands‑on skills for creating sustainable energy solutions in their communities.

Forty‑five schools from the Federal Capital Territory and other regions of the country entered the competition, and 12 schools progressed to the final stage.

Premiere Academy distinguished itself through creativity, teamwork and technical skill, earning the overall best award.

The school received a cash prize of N500,000, the overall best school trophy, and a set of educational books and learning materials.

The event also marked the launch of the “Energy on Wheels” project for schools, a mobile initiative designed to deliver energy education directly to classrooms across Nigeria.

After the award ceremony, Principal Chris Akinsowon said the achievement reflected the school’s dedication to excellence and innovation.

He added that the victory reinforced the institution’s reputation for academic excellence, innovation and holistic education, and that the students’ performance was a testament to the quality of instruction, mentorship from staff and the support of parents.

Akinsowon praised the organisers for creating opportunities that allow students to excel beyond the classroom, noting that the success aligns with the school’s vision of producing confident, innovative and globally competitive leaders.

Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, lauded the ingenuity of the participants, highlighting solutions such as solar‑powered devices, clean cooking technologies, mini‑grid concepts and waste‑to‑energy systems.

She remarked, “The competition goes beyond being a contest, as it is helping to nurture a new generation of energypreneurs, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to drive Africa’s energy future.”

Onome Wilkinson, Executive Director of the OLOGED Initiative, noted that the festival’s STEAM‑based approach encourages both science and arts students to contribute innovative ideas to the energy sector.

She explained that the initiative helps students understand the critical role of energy in powering homes and economies while challenging them to develop practical solutions to energy access challenges.

Among the dignitaries present at the grand finale were Lady Florence Wenegieme, Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board; Mr. Bolaji Wellington, Technical Assistant to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement; principals of participating schools; and other education stakeholders.

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