By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

The Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), managed by RUSAL, has partnered with the Community Education Development Initiative (CEDI) to organize a quiz competition for secondary schools in its host community, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

The event, tagged “RUSAL Educational Summit 2025,” aims to promote academic excellence and enhance educational development among students in Ikot Abasi.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, held at ALSCON Staff Secondary School, the company’s General Manager of Public Relations, Mr. Alexander Ashkinazi, emphasized that the competition is part of ALSCON’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

“RUSAL’s management prioritizes education and is committed to motivating students while helping them develop practical skills,” Ashkinazi stated.

He highlighted several educational and skills empowerment programs initiated for the community, including:

Russia-Nigeria Educational Program: Currently, 10 students from Ikot Abasi are benefiting from this initiative, with 7 students sent in 2024 and 5 candidates selected for 2025.

Forklift Training Program: Five young men have been trained in forklift operations.

Computer Training: Two groups of 17 students have completed training, while a third group of 9 students is currently undergoing instruction.

Ikot Abasi Skills Acquisition Centre: Opened in November 2024, this center trains young women in hairdressing, fashion design, shoemaking, and manicure/pedicure services. The initiative also supports young single mothers by providing free vocational training.

Ashkinazi expressed confidence that collaboration with the community, local and regional leaders, and the federal government would help resolve existing challenges and enhance development efforts.

CEDI Coordinator, Comrade Uboho Oku, commended ALSCON and RUSAL for their commitment to youth development through the sponsorship of the quiz competition.

At the end of the competition, ALSCON Staff Secondary School emerged as the overall winner, while Saint Theresa Secondary School secured second place. A total of 10 schools participated in the event.