JAMB : Onitsha Anglican Diocese rewards 58 candidates for scoring 270 and above

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

 No fewer than 58 candidates who scored 270 marks and above in the just concluded Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)examination, have been honoured by the Diocese of Niger, Anambra State, with Educational Merit awards.

The candidates who were drawn from various secondary schools owned by the diocese thronged the Bishop’s Court, GRA, Onitsha, on the eventful day with their parents and guardians for the receipt of the awards.

The lowest score made by the candidates was 270 while the highest was 350.

The benefactor of the award presentation, the Diocesan, the Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, who, filled with joy while giving the merit award certificates to the candidates, commended them and urged them not to relent or take their success for granted.

 ‘Dear students,” he called them, “your performance in the UTME is commendable, but it is only the beginning of a greater journey of academics and professionalism.

 “The future will place greater demands on you. Your future studies will test not only your intellect but also your values. Your careers will test your integrity.

 “Leadership opportunities will test your humility. The world will tempt you to compromise, but you must remain steadfast.

“Always remember that your identity is not merely in your intelligence but in your character. What you become in life will matter more than the certificates you have.

“We encourage you not only to invest in academic success but also in moral and spiritual formation”, the bishop appealed to them.

Also in a two-page address he presented at the occasion, the Diocesan Educational Secretary, Rev Canon Chidi Nwadike, congratulated the students on their academic success.

  He told the awardees that, ” having a handshake with the bishop is simply to urge and remind you that we are looking forward to seeing you graduating with a first class degree and with good christian values.

“The Almighty God who has begun this good work in your life will perfect all that concerns you in Jesus’  name. Amen ” , he wished them.

In a 15-minute seminar themed, “Unlocking Greatness: Cultivating Excellence Through Integrity “, the resource person, a priest in the diocese, Rev Canon Dr Adindu Okpala, advised the students to endeavour to invest in knowledge.

Referencing Benjamin Franklin, Rev Canon Dr Adindu told the students that an “investment in knowledge pays the best interest”, urging them to learn the ways to invest in their studies.

About 400 persons made up of the parents, guardians and friends of the students attended the occasion at the end of which group and private photographs were taken with the bishop.