The organisers of African Biology Olympiad (ABO) have announced the beginning of its maiden edition. According to Prestige & Graca, in a statement issued in Lagos, the ABO will provide an exciting opportunity for young students across Africa to showcase their knowledge and skills in biology.

The statement added that the ABO is designed to ignite students’ passion for biology while preparing them to address some of Africa’s biggest challenges, including environmental conservation, public health and sustainable farming.

“By nurturing young talent, the ABO hopes to develop innovative solutions that improve lives across Africa,” Prestige & Graca said in the statement.

The competition is divided into two major rounds: National Round for this month to May, with each participating country conducting national-level competitions to select representatives for the continental stage.

Depending on the country, the national round may consist of sub-rounds.

In Nigeria, for instance, the structure includes School Stage from this month to March, which is the first level of competition, where schools register and compete internally.

State finals will hold between February and March with top performers from each state advancing to this round.

National Final will hold in March, where the best students from each state will compete for a place in the continental round.

The best students from each participating country will thereafter compete at the continental level in August to determine Africa’s top young biologists.

The competition is open to Junior Category – Students in JSS 1 to JSS 3 and Senior Category – Students in SS 1 to SS 3.

On how to register, schools and students across Africa can register for the competition by visiting africanbiologyolympiad.org. Schools must register first before students can be enrolled.

Individual students can also register directly if their schools are not participating.

On key benefits for participants, top students will have the opportunity to represent their country on the continental stage and winners will receive prizes, scholarships and mentorship opportunities.

The competition will provide students with engaging biology content that enhances their academic and career prospects.