MPN: Encouraging Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Science Education

MPN: Encouraging Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Science Education

Background

Mobil Producing Nigeria, an affiliate of ExxonMobil in Nigeria, has been sponsoring the annual Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) National Science Quiz competition for the past 16 years. The competition, which seeks to encourage and reward excellence in science education in Nigeria, is open to both primary and secondary school students across the country.

The Brief

The Agency was briefed to provide media relations support for the 2011 edition of the competition, which was held in Akure, Ondo state in August, 2011.

Communication Objectives

• To provide impactful media leverage and awareness about the competition and the title sponsor, MPN
• To portray MPN as a responsible corporate citizen and emphasise on  its dedication to growing the nation’s education sector, especially, the teaching and learning of science subjects
• To project MPN as a youth-friendly company that cares about their future.

Mechanics

The communication plan was executed in phases: Pre-Event, Main Event and Post-Event.

Pre-Event ---- A press conference was organized few weeks to the main event in Lagos. Education editors and Photojournalists from major newspapers in the country were invited to the event. There were many news reports and photographs from the press conference that created massive awareness for the competition.

Main Event ---- 11 Education editors were sponsored by Mobil Producing Nigeria to the finals of the competition in Akure, Ondo state.

Post-Event ---- After the event, press releases, feature articles and photographs were pitched in target media.

Campaign Output

A total of 45 news and photo stories were published during the campaign.

All the news mentions published were positive and provided enough depths and understanding of the objectives of the campaign. Also, all the major newspaper titles in the country published reports of the event while the pictures gave compelling visual reinforcement for the messaging.

Key News Headlines and Photo Captions

• Education Minister to Grace 2011 STAN Quiz Contest ….As Mobil Strengthens Support.
• We Will Produce Chartered Teachers --- STAN/Mobil
• Science Teachers Target Talents With Quiz Competition …. As Mobil Restates Support.
• Mobil/STAN Contest Produces Yong Inventors
• Ondo Shines at STAN/Mobil Competition
• STAN Quiz Contest Winners Go to Taiwan
• Education specialist, World Bank, Dr. Tunde Adekola (right) presenting a trophy to winners of the secondary school quiz, Durotolouwa Olumide aand Fadoju Oluwakayode, of Ondo state at the 2011 STAN/Mobil National Science Quiz competition held in Akure, Ondo state (Photo)
• Mr. Gilbert Odior, Coordination Mananger, Joint Operation Agreement, Mobil Producing Nigeria presenting a trophy to winners of the primary school project category, Idehen Deborah and Iheayn Idris of Edo state at this year’s STAN/Mobil National Science Quiz competition.