Maduako Igbokwe l Friday, December 17, 2021
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Winners have emerged in the median edition of mathematics and Igbo language quiz competition sponsored by a non-governmental organisation in Anambra state to encourage the learning and teaching of the subjects in the state .
Seventeen (17)year-old Senior Secondary 3 student of Differential College, Awka, Miss Ekweli Victoria emerged the overall best in Mathematics category, while 16-year-old Senior Secondary 2 student of Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia Njidoka local government, Master Chinwuko Excellence came out as the overall best in the Igbo language category .
The quiz competition christened, ‘Best Brain Contest’ (BBC) Anambra state Mathematics and Igbo language was sponsored by Ifenalaife foundation and organised by Frank Igbojindu for senior secondary schools in the state and competitors were drawn from schools across the 21 local government of the state.
Madiebo Lucky of Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area , took second position; while Nwachukwu Christian of Government Technical College, Ihiala, took the third position in the mathematics competition.
Oluchi Ezeala, a student of Differential College, Awka, took the second position; while Chukwuagozie Divine of Denis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha took the third position in the Igbo language category .
The overall Best student in each category smiled home with cash reward of N100,000 each, trophy ,medals and certificates. They are to receive payment for JAMB forms , payment of registration expense upon admission into university of their choice and also to enjoy monthly salaries for one year as ambassadors of the foundation ,
Mathematics Teacher of Differential College, Awka, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, and Igbo Language teacher of Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia, Otue Ann, were also rewarded for their outstanding performances in the teaching and learning of the subjects in their schools.
They got N10,000 cash each while the organizers are to erect Sign post in Champions’ schools to celebrate them as ambassadors
The second position went home with N50,000 each while third position went home with N30,000 each. The founder and the sponsor of foundation Chief Henry Mmerigwo said the contest was purposely conceived to promote healthy competition among students, and to rekindle in them the spirit of studying mathematics and Igbo language .
According to Mmerigwo who spoke through the coordinator and co – sponsors of Best Brain Contest at the occasion Hon. Frank Igbojindu said his passion for the learning of Igbo and mathematics prompted him to venture into the competition .
“The choice of Igbo is to promote the language and the cultural aspects of learning among our younger generation,while the choice of Mathematics is to promote mathematical solving skills among the students,” he said .
According to him, Best students in each category , besides receiving monetary rewards, will be assisted in the purchase of their JAMB forms, and will be supported financially when they secure admission into the tertiary institutions. He also disclosed that as BBC ambassadors, they will also receive monthly salaries from the foundation for twelve months.
According to him, to encourage studies of the subjects in schools , “giant billboards will be mounted for the champions schools with their picture , in addition to erecting sign posts for the champion schools. The organizers will also follow the students up to make sure they achieve their main goals of being in the school,”
He described education as key to success in life , noting that his sponsoring the competition was a demonstration of his love for education, especially his love to promote mathematical solving skills among students, and rekindling the hope for the survival of Igbo language and tradition. He also said the organizers would follow the students up to ensure they achieve their main goals of being in the school.
Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze, commended the organizers for setting a standard, noting that it was worthy of emulation. She encouraged the pupils to take advantage of such opportunity to develop themselves, and to promote their schools.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Secondary Education, Dr. Paul Ifeanyi, also commended the foundation for organizing the competition, and encouraged students to be part of efforts towards revitalization the Igbo language; which he said, is neglected in many quarters.