REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
Students have been urged to distinguish themselves as ambassadors of excellence by remaining prayerful, avoiding destructive peer influence and deploying their talents for the service of God and humanity.
The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, the Right Reverend Owen Nwokolo, gave the charge at the 2026 Episcopal Educational Merit Award ceremony held for fifty-eight outstanding candidates who excelled in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
The students were said to have scored 270 and above across diocesan schools.
Bishop Nwokolo who spoke at the Bishop’s Court, Onitsha, commended the students for their exceptional academic performance, noting that their success marks the beginning of a greater journey of academic excellence and professional development.
He reminded the awardees that society was in dire need of young people who will not only excel intellectually but also remain morally upright and trustworthy.
According to the Bishop, Nigeria requires not just educated citizens, but cultured and dependable individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to national development.
He also appreciated parents and guardians for their sacrifices in raising the children in the fear of God despite prevailing economic challenges.
Bishop Nwokolo further commended teachers in the diocesan schools for their dedication and commitment to the academic and moral formation of the students.
In a remark, the Diocesan Education Secretary, Reverend Canon Chidiebere Nwadike, congratulated the fifty-eight students and expressed optimism that they would graduate with first-class degrees while maintaining sound Christian values.
Also speaking, the Principal of St. Christopher Junior Seminary, 3-3, Onitsha, Reverend Canon John Ohaeri, attributed the school’s success to experienced and committed teachers, zero tolerance for examination malpractice and strict discipline.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the overall best student from the diocesan schools, Master Valentine Anazodo, who scored three hundred and thirty-five in the UTME, expressed joy over the achievement.
He disclosed that he intends to study Computer Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
More than ten schools benefitted from the largesse.
