Over 200 Schools Register for Ekpenyong’s Academic Championship in Cross River

The Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Academic Championship has commenced in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, with more than 200 secondary schools reportedly registered for the competition across the seven local government areas of Cross River South Senatorial District.

The first phase of the competition began with a flag-off ceremony in Calabar Municipality on November 7, 2026, attended by students, teachers, representatives of participating schools and education stakeholders.

The event was flagged off by Ted, a legislative aide to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represented the senator.

In his message, Ekpenyong said the initiative was designed to promote academic excellence, encourage healthy competition among students and support the intellectual development of young people.

He urged participating schools and students to approach the competition with discipline and determination, adding that the initiative was intended to encourage learning and build students’ confidence beyond the pursuit of prizes.

The championship will cover the seven local government areas in the senatorial district, with students competing in subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Sciences, Civic Education, Current Affairs, Technology and General Knowledge.

The organisers said the competition would offer cash prizes and institutional incentives to outstanding participants and schools.

The prize package includes an ICT centre for the champion school, ₦5 million for the winning team, ₦2 million for the second-placed team and ₦1 million for the third-placed team. The highest-scoring student and overall best student are each expected to receive ₦500,000.

The competition will proceed to the other local government areas before a grand finale, where the leading teams will compete at an event scheduled to be broadcast on television.

The organisers said the championship was part of efforts to promote education and youth development across Cross River South Senatorial District.