Jumbrox Challenge 2018: Dissecting The Nexus Between Oil and The Economy

By Akinwale Kasali

In respect to the call by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, for the government to improve the standard of education in Nigeria, especially at the tertiary level.

UNESCO also faulted the lack of coexistence, interdependence, unity, cohesiveness, qualitative educational competitiveness, good educational structure/foundation, healthy and friendly relationship among undergraduates in the country, making them unable to compete with their peers around the world.

In this vein, Jumbrox Challenge, a brain-child of Jumbrox Ltd, an ICT company, has for the past two years held a National Annual Competition among undergraduate students in all Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

The aim of the national annual competition is to promote the use of ICT for related academic activities, to promote a higher level of coexistence/interdependence among the participating school, develop and build self esteem and confidence on undergraduates and to also make undergraduates abreast of the economy state of the nation.

The 2017 maiden edition which was tagged ‘Quest on Delta’ was organized in collaboration with the Delta State Government through the State Ministry of Higher Education and was supported by Kenearth Ventures, Allis Vivere Foundation and Heritage Bank Ltd.

Orogun Maro Justice of Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro emerged winner with Onawharaye Lois Akpevwe of Delta State University Abraka as first Runner-up and Nanaogbuta Chioma Miracle also of Delta State University Abraka as second Runner-up.  The Winners were awarded a scholarship and Personal Computer each.

Nigeria, over the years has been a mono-economy, with Oil being the only economic dependence. Sadly, only few undergraduates can discuss the epistemology of Oil in Nigeria and how it has been of immense benefit to the development and economic well-being of the nation this far.

Following this, the organizers of this annual event decided to tag this second edition  “The Black Gold”, with questions centered on the Oil Sector of the Nigerian economy.

 Just as the maiden edition, Jumbrox Ltd has remained resilient in taking the nation’s tertiary education to the desired height in which it could compete with its peers around the world is being supported in this drive alongside Kenearth Ventures, Elvee Integrated Services Ltd and the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education.

This year’s event is in three phases. The first and second phases has produced 55 contestants from 10 tertiary institutions across the countries who will be jostling for honours and laurels at the event.

The Grand Finale of this edition is slated to take place by 11am, July 28, 2018 at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City.