By Marietta Munachimso
The 2024 Presidential Prizes for Secondary Schools in Nigeria recognized exceptional educational achievements nationwide, and Anambra State once again emerged as a leader. This remarkable success, according to the 1st National Vice Chairman Builders in private Practice (South-East and South-South), Bldr. Chijioke Okeke, is a direct result of the forward-thinking reforms initiated by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in the education sector.
Anambra secured several prestigious awards, including the coveted Overall Best Teacher prize, awarded to Nwosu Joseph Afamefuna of Government Technical College, Osomala, Ogbaru LGA. Bldr. Okeke commended the governor’s unwavering commitment to enhancing teacher welfare and development, which he believes empowered educators like Mr. Nwosu to excel. “Governor Soludo’s vision is reflected in every success we witness today,” Okeke remarked, emphasizing that the governor’s policies paved the way for such remarkable achievements.
The success extended to institutions as well, with Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia, Aguata LGA, being recognized as the Second Best Secondary School in the country. Bldr. Okeke attributed this accomplishment to the educational reforms championed by Governor Soludo, which have consistently prioritized school infrastructure and academic standards. “This award showcases how the governor’s policies are not just talk but action, delivering real results for our schools,” he added.
Further demonstrating the depth of talent in the state, Chukwudumeme Franca Adaeze, Head Teacher of Aforigwe Primary School, Umudioka, Dunukofia LGA, was named Second Best Primary Head Teacher. Bldr. Okeke praised the state government for providing robust support to primary education, noting that this success would not have been possible without Governor Soludo’s focus on early childhood education. “Soludo’s administration understands that primary education is the foundation of lifelong learning,” Okeke stated.
In yet another victory for the state, Dr. Grace Amara Umezinwa, Principal of Girls High School, Uga, Aguata LGA, was awarded Second Best Secondary School Principal. According to Bldr. Okeke, Dr. Umezinwa’s success reflects the governor’s emphasis on leadership development within schools. “Soludo’s reforms have empowered school leaders to drive academic success through effective leadership, and the results speak for themselves,” he said.
The Founder Enyioha Care Foundation (Education and Skills foundation), Bldr. Chijioke Okeke concluded by affirming that Governor Soludo’s transformative leadership in education has been the driving force behind Anambra’s continued dominance in national academic competitions. “His Excellency, Governor Soludo, along with his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has laid a solid foundation for educational excellence in Anambra, and this victory at the 2024 Presidential Prizes is just the beginning of more to come,” Okeke emphasized.
