Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Adventist Technical Secondary School, Ohafia, emerged the winner of the second edition of the Abia State Schools Quiz competition with 52 points.
The competition was sponsored by Chief Raymond Nkemdirim Foundation, in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Education, Secondary Education Management Board, State Scholarship Board, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools and Flo FM Radio, amongst others.
Masters Vessels Classical Academy, Umuahia clinched the second position, while Victory College International, Aba, came third.
Speaking at the grand finale at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, the Coordinator of the competition, Pastor Uche Ama-Ohakah said that about 180 private and public secondary schools took part in the competition, which held at the Local Government, zonal and state levels.
The winner got N1 million, while the second runner-up got half a million, and the third-place school received N250,000.
Teachers of the winning schools also got cash donations of N100,000, N75,000 and N50,000 respectively.
The foundation also donated a laptop to a student of Mayfair Academy, Umuahia, Miss Ijioma Great, who scored 332 in the last Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination.
Speaking at the event the sponsor, Chief Nkemdirim, a retired Director of Operations, Department of State Service, DSS, said he was inspired by his vision and commitment to make the state better.
He described the competition as his contribution to the development of the children, who he aptly described as the future of any nation.
Nkemdirim, who is the Chairman of Flo FM Radio, Umuahia, recalled the role played by his parents toward his educational attainment and admonished the youths to take a cue from his personal life experience to excel.
He called on other well-meaning individuals and groups to pool resources to build the future of the children.
Chairman of the event and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, Prof. Godwin Emezue, thanked Nkemdirim for investing in the education of the children.
He applauded the participants for their performances and encouraged them to remain studious and hard-working.
The DVC also commended the teachers who prepared them for their efforts.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Abia Ministry of Education, Mr Eze Ajuzie, called on corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to invest in the education of the nation’s youths.
He said that education remained the bedrock of social, economic and technological advancement.
The Permanent Secretary harped on the need for science education and relevant fields of high demand.
“Let us emphasize quality education, without which we cannot do exploits in science and technology and other spheres of life.
“While other nations of the world are exploring the outer space, we are still grappling with developmental issues.
“Without quality education, we shall still be playing a second fiddle either as individuals or nation.”
