Abia Government Rewards Outstanding Science Students And Teachers

The Abia State government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has given cash prizes to the winners of the February edition of its Science Teachers’ Championship.

Speaking at a brief Prize Giving Ceremony in her office, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Uchechukwu Kalu who spoke on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi encouraged the winning teachers and students to continue to be steadfast, and dedicate more time to study.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Abia State, Mrs Uchechukwu Kalu

“I want to encourage you to continue to be steadfast, and dedicate your time to studying. It pays to study. It is because you have been studying, that is why you are here. If not that you have been studying, taking your academics seriously, you may not have that opportunity to be here”.

“Educational activities is one thing that can expose you to anything that can take you to any height, if only you can embrace it, if only you can yield your time to the activities in the school, and also do your assignment at home as may be given to you by your teachers”.

Mrs Kalu appreciated God and the science teachers for their dedication while urging them to do more in teaching the younger generation.

“I am talking to our students now. I am very, very grateful to God for giving you the wisdom that He has given to you to excel in your endeavors. And I want to thank your teachers again for being there for you, always teaching you. And especially the teachers that have emerged as champions for this month of February, it is not easy”.

“You know hard work pays. You have been rewarded today because of your hard work. So do not go low. Don’t go lower than that. Keep it up. Every day, make sure you finish up your lesson notes that you prepared for the day and for the week. All that you need to impact the students by way of teaching them, ensure such things are done”.

She further lauded the governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti for his support for the work of the ministry.

“The state is out to reward you accordingly. Our education friendly governor. His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, is very, very interested in educational matters. And he will not hear that a teacher is doing well, and he will ignore it without making sure that such a teacher is adequately rewarded”.

Earlier in her opening speech, a director in the ministry, Lady Joy Uruabia said the competition is open for both public and private schools in the state, while appreciating the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi for his commitment to his duty.

Lady Joy Uruabia

“And today, by the grace of God, our Honorable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education has decided to honor the performance of science teachers in various schools in the state”.

“I want to acknowledge the performance of the teachers. The government is putting all these efforts, financially, morally and otherwise, to support the competition. And today, we are happy”.

In her vote of thanks on behalf of the students and teachers, Miss Ebenezer Damilola Favour from Afugiri Girls Senior Secondary School Umuahia North who also emerged as the Best Biology, Chemistry and Physics Student in SS2, thanks the governor of the state, Dr Alex Otti, the ministry, the organizers of the competition, the teachers, parents and God Almighty for contributing in their unique ways to bring the idea to a reality.

The Science Teachers’ Championship winners for the month of February are:

1. Ms. Peace Okpa Agbai from Wilcox Schools Aba (Best Biology Teacher)

2. Ms. Uchenna Victoria Ojimadu-Ikechukwu from Afugiri Girls Senior Secondary School Umuahia North (Best Chemistry Teacher)

3. Mr. Daniel Eguzoro from Wilcox Schools Aba (Best Physics Teacher)

4. Faith Nnamani Chiamaka from Wilcox Schools Aba (Best Biology Student SS1)

5. Joan Thompson from Greenish Academy International College (Best Chemistry Student SS1)

6. Ijeoma Igwe Edward from Wilcox Schools Aba (Best Physics Student SS1)

7. Ebenezer Damilola Favour from Afugiri Girls Senior Secondary School Umuahia North (Best Biology, Chemistry and Physics Student in SS2)

8. Okpan Crystal Nnanna from Wilcox Schools Aba (Best Biology Student SS3)

9. Boston Treasure Munachiso from Wilcox Schools Aba (Best Physics Student SS3)

These winning teachers and students recieved their Cash Prizes from Elder Goodluck Ubochi, Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Abia State who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Uchechukwu Kalu.

The Science Teachers’ Championship is organized by Assppaa-Isbors Platform Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Abia State in order to help His Excellency Dr Alex Chioma Otti achieve his 2023 campaign manifestos on STEM education development.

It is a monthly online competition where the best Biology, Chemistry and Physics teachers receive N50,000 each while the best SS1-SS3 science students receive N20,000 each.

Teachers also receive N1,000 for every science experiment they upload on the Science Teachers’ Championship platform.

It is an interesting, entertaining, fun-filled, attractive, disruptive and addictive platform carefully created to enhance science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Abia State.

It is designed for science teachers and students in both public and private secondary in the state. Visit https://www.scienceteacherschampionship.com to register. Registration and participation is entirely free.