Imo: Emmanuel College old boys reward six best students, teacher

Six outstanding students and a teacher of Emmanuel College, Owerri, Imo State, have received awards and cash gifts from the Progressive Unique 1988 set of the college’s Old Boys Association.

The awards, which recognised academic excellence, commitment and outstanding service, were presented by the Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Evaristus Obinna Onyeocha and the Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Honourable Emeka Mgbedum.

The beneficiaries included Lady Ifesinachi Eze, a teacher; Ngere Martins, best SS2 student; Ofem Divine Chidera, best JSS1 student; Prince Keavin, best JSS2 student; Opara Favour, best JSS3 student; Israel Emmanuel, best SS1 student; and Desmond Chikwado, overall best WAEC graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session.

A security personnel of the college, Ferdinand Achonwa, was also recognised for his service.

Presenting the awards, Onyeocha and Mgbedum commended the beneficiaries for their outstanding performance, urging them to sustain the spirit of excellence and make their parents, school and state proud.

In his address, Secretary of the Progressive Unique 1988 Set, Mr. Obii Madumere, said the awards were in recognition of hard work, commitment and excellence.

Madumere urged the students to protect the facilities provided by the alumni and shun vandalism.

He said the 1988 set had, in addition to renovating and handing over a five-classroom block, paid the NECO examination fees of financially disadvantaged JSS3 students to ensure that no child was denied education due to financial constraints.

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He added that the group had also paid the WAEC Centre Revalidation fees to support the school’s continued academic standing and examination readiness.

According to him, the impact of the alumni’s intervention would ultimately be measured not only by the beauty of the renovated classrooms but by the quality of lives and futures shaped within them.

Madumere described the intervention as a significant milestone in the group’s collective effort to give back to the institution that shaped their lives, values and aspirations.

He said the 1988 Set had returned to the college not merely as alumni but as partners in progress.

“Our mission has always been clear: to contribute meaningfully to an environment where the present generation of students can learn, grow, dream and pursue excellence,” he said.

Madumere assured that the group’s commitment to its alma mater went beyond the renovation project, stressing that meaningful development must be holistic, sustainable and responsive to the needs of both students and staff.

Also speaking, an old student of the college and Commissioner for Science, Technology, Innovation and Engineering, Hon. Ikenna Elezianya, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the institution.

Elezianya said that having left the college about 40 years ago, he was disappointed that its present condition no longer reflected the standard of the institution he attended.

“When we left, Emmanuel College was one of the best in the state,” he said.

He, however, commended the 1988 Set for their commitment to reviving the college, describing their intervention as an encouragement to teachers and students to continue pursuing knowledge and excellence.

In separate remarks, the Acting National President of the Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association (ECOOSA), Sir George Nwachukwu, and a member of the Progressive Unique 1988 Set, Chukwueke Junai, commended the alumni for their vision and commitment to renovating and rebuilding the school’s facilities.

They called for greater partnership among stakeholders and friends of the college, expressing optimism that the institution would regain its status as a model school in the coming years.

Both leaders urged the students to remain dedicated and humble, set clear academic targets and work hard to restore the lost glory of Emmanuel College.

Junai also assured them that the group would extend its intervention to the teachers’ blocks, while Nwachukwu pledged the continued support of ECOOSA towards the development of the institution.