Dr. Chinedu Umeadi Foundation Praised For Huge Investments In Science Education

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Charles Esimone, has commended Dr. Chinedu Umeadi Foundation (DCUF), and its Founder, Dr Chinedu Umeadi, for their giant efforts in helping secondary students in Anambra State to acquire sound science education through annual quiz competitions and other things.

The Vice Chancellor, who chaired the 4th edition and grand finale of the 2023 edition of the DCUF annual quiz competition held on Wednesday, July 5, at the Prof..Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, said that what students represent for the society today is a future that is bright.

He noted that when the mind is nurtured at the early stage, it tends to produce reproductive and effective people, who will in return enhance development. This, he said, is the magic behind developed countries where they use science and technology to improve the society.

He said, "If you want to talk about tomorrow, we can not play with our young people in the school. They represent the lofty idea, and worthy status we aspire as a people. So, we have to invest in our young people in the school. We will not stop thanking Dr Umeadi for instituting this quiz competition."

Also speaking, the Director, Science and Technology, PPSSC, Awka, Mr Anereobi Ephraim Jekwu, noted that Dr Umeadi’s dynamic and visionary ideas have completely changed the face of science education in the state. He thanked the Foundation for its creative and charismatic method of using advance program software and Computer Based Test (CBT) for this year’s competition, which he said, helped to elevate the students' intelligent quotient in ICT globally.

In her speech, the Chairman of Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSC), Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu, also commended the Foundation, and said that education is the greatest gift every child wants, and explained that efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to revamp and uplift education sector needs collaborative efforts and investments from private spirited individuals, as exemplified by High Chief Dr Chinedu Umeadi.

The Special Guest of Honour, and Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, noted that while students study science and technology in the school, they should know that they are humans created in the image of God, and therefore, must be disciplined in morals. He encourage parents and teachers to ensure that good morals are imbibed in the young ones. He also commended Dr Chinedu Umeadi Foundation for its efforts.

Member Representing Njikoka II Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Jude Akpua, also applauded the Foundation for its giant efforts in science education. He noted that the quiz competition is in line with Governor Charles Soludo administration's efforts in bringing academic excellence to Anambra State.

Sir Ikem Onwuadi, the Coordinator, Dr Chinedu Umeadi Foundation, disclosed that the programme was aimed towards emancipating students through education, adding that 217 public schools participated, but at the end, winners emerged from the zonal levels.

Earlier, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr Chinedu Umeadi, noted that the annual quiz competition is meant to support the educational foundations of the young people.

He said, "Education offers you greater opportunity to be celebrated. We are here to celebrate your academic excellence, and prepare you for greater celebrations ahead. Kindly use education to rediscover yourself, your natural abilities and skills. These will reposition you to uplift society tomorrow. Keep on soaring higher because, you are future of tomorrow we have today."

Umeadi also pledged to give out scholarships to 5 students from the bishop of Awka diocese, and 2 best students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, under the Vice Chancellor awards.

The 4th edition of the annual quiz competition was organized by DCUF in collaboration with Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Awka, and Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).

The winning schools are Maria Regina Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nnewi, which produced best students, best principal and best quiz master for Junior Secondary School (JSS) category; while Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) produced same at Senior Secondary School (SSS) category.

The foundation presented prizes and monetary gifts to winners, and also admitted them into the Ambassadorial Cadet of the Foundation.