No fewer than 45 students from 217 public secondary schools in Anambra State have been rewarded with cash and other consolation prizes for their outstanding performances in the fifth edition of Science Quiz Competition by Dr Chinedu Umeadi Foundation (DCUF).
The schools made up of ten mission schools and Nnamdi Azikiwe University High School, Awka featured in both the Junior and Senior competitions from zonal to State levels.
Speaking at the awards ceremony held at the Utility Hall of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Awka, President of DCUF, Sir Ikem Onwuadi said the award had been sustained over the years following the benefactor’s passion for young people.
He said over N15million had been committed to the award project, encouraging other spirited individuals and institutions to borrow a leaf from the foundation by contributing their quota to the upliftment of youths and humanity.
He said: “The founder, Dr Chinedu Umeadi has been lamenting over the nation’s deteriorating educational system. For him, there’s need to change ideology of younger generation and catching them young remains one sure way of making Nigeria better.
“The foundation in the past five years has contributed to humanity in diverse areas, including youth development, healthcare, poverty alleviation, empowerment, football, talent hunt, beauty pageants, leadership training, character moulding, among others.”
Expressing satisfaction with the organization and attendance recorded in the event, Onwuadi congratulated the awardees on their outstanding performances, urging them to work harder to sustain the achieved success.
“The reward for hardwork is more work. The awardees can’t afford to rest on their oars to ensure they keep excelling. For those who couldn’t qualify for the award, I urge them to be challenged by their colleagues so they can be part of the next outing,” he added.
Earlier, Director Science and Technical Department, Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Mrs Eucharia Ikegwuonwu said the competition was becoming one of the highest brands in the State.
“Today, we can attest that the awardees are indeed the best in Anambra State as far as sciences and ICT are concerned. Apart from the zonal and state finalists, the awards also include the schools, principals and teachers that produced the winning students,” she said.
Speaking separately, Chairman, PPSSC, Awka, Prof Nkechi Ikediugwu, represented by Dr. Uche Okeke and Chairman, ASUBEB, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, represented by Mrs Ify Anatune thanked the foundation for its creative and charismatic method of using advanced Programme Software, Computer Based Test for the competitions.
“These strategies go a long way to elevate the students’ Intelligent Quotient in ICT globally which is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s education agenda for the State,” they noted.
While Okwukwe Ezeobiora of Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje emerged overall Best Student in the Senior Category, Ebere Okparakunne of Queen of Rosary College, Onitsha emerged overall Best Student in the Junior category with N300,000 cash award each for their outstanding performances.
They appreciated the foundation for providing the platform for the competitions, attributing their performance to efforts of their parents, teachers, organizers as well as hard work on their part.
Motivational awards for schools, principals and teachers of best state finalists were also presented in the ceremony.
In the Junior Category, the Best School of Best student award went to QRC, Onitsha and Best Principal award was won by Reverend Sister Maria Chijioke, while best School of Best student award went to Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje and Best Principal award was won by Reverend Brother Nnodu Onwutalu in the Senior Category.
Award presentations, consolation prizes, welcome song, cultural and Indian dances formed high points of the occasion which was graced by parents, teachers and other dignitaries.
