Marist College To Represent Nigeria At Global SAGE Contest In Georgia

Students of Marist Bicentenary College, Ngor Okpala, Imo State, have earned the honour of representing Nigeria at the upcoming Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) Global Competition in Georgia, thanks to their pioneering project aimed at tackling malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency.

Their innovation, named SAPA Drip, is a nutrient-rich food solution derived from biofortified yellow cassava. Unlike traditional cassava, which is high in cyanide and low in essential nutrients, SAPA Drip offers a safer and more nutritious alternative—directly targeting widespread deficiencies that disproportionately affect children across the country.

The initiative secured the school’s SIEFED Tech Team a third-place finish at the national SAGE Exhibition and Awards, held in Abuja from June 3 to 6, 2025. Their performance has earned them a place on the world stage, where they will compete with teams from countries including China, the United States, Japan, Israel, and Vietnam from September 11 to 16, 2025.

“This project means a lot to us because it’s solving a real problem in our communities,” one team member said. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we’re going to represent Nigeria with pride and integrity.”

In addition to its nutritional value, SAPA Drip promotes community empowerment. The project supports cooperative farming practices and provides women with access to microloans, facilitated through a network of supportive parents who see long-term value in the initiative.

A staff member at the college, Rev. Bro. Ifeanyi Mbaegwu commended the students’ performance as outstanding among their peers.

“I am incredibly proud of our students. This reflects the innovative and creative teaching culture we’ve nurtured at Marist Bicentenary. We don’t just teach—we inspire. Our goal is to develop critical thinkers and responsible leaders with a strong sense of community and social entrepreneurship,” Mbaegwu stated.

The SIEFED Tech Team represents the school’s broader commitment to addressing real-world problems with practical, scalable solutions. Entrepreneurship education and financial literacy are core components of the Marist curriculum, designed to equip students with the skills necessary to lead change and drive sustainable development.

Marist Bicentenary College is a private, co-educational secondary institution run by the Marist Brothers of the Schools, a Catholic religious order dedicated to shaping Nigerian youth through values of integrity, innovation, and excellence.

As they prepare for the global stage, the students of Marist Bicentenary College said they are going ahead to prove that young Nigerians have the vision and capability to deliver world-class solutions rooted in local relevance.