Premiere Academy, Abuja, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 Battle of the Energy Titans competition, defeating 11 other finalists in a contest focused on tackling Nigeria’s energy poverty through innovative solutions.

The competition, organised by the NNPC Foundation in partnership with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED), was the highlight of the 2026 Youth Energy STEAM Festival (YES-Fest).

With the theme, “Young Innovators Solving Energy Poverty,” the festival sought to equip students with practical skills to develop sustainable energy solutions for their communities.

A total of 45 schools from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across the country participated in the competition, with only 12 schools progressing to the final stage.

Premiere Academy distinguished itself through creativity, teamwork and technical excellence, securing the overall best school award. The school received a cash prize of N500,000, the championship trophy, and educational books and learning materials.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the Energy on Wheels project, a mobile initiative designed to deliver energy education directly to schools nationwide.

Speaking after the award presentation, the Principal of Premiere Academy, Mr. Chris Akinsowon, described the victory as a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

He said the achievement reinforced the institution’s reputation for academic excellence, innovation and holistic education, adding that the students’ success reflected the quality of mentorship provided by teachers and the support of parents.

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

Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, praised the ingenuity displayed by participants, noting that students presented a variety of solutions, including solar-powered devices, clean cooking technologies, mini-grid concepts and waste-to-energy systems.

According to her, the competition is helping to nurture a new generation of energy entrepreneurs equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to shape Africa’s energy future.

Executive Director of OLOGED Initiative, Onome Wilkinson, said 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 young people understand the importance of energy in driving economic growth while inspiring them to develop practical solutions to energy access challenges.

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