By Mokwugwo Solomon
The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Dr Chinedu Umeadi Foundation, High Chief (Dr) Chinedu Umeadi, has said that the reason the foundation is organizing science quiz competitions in Anambra State is to support and help students discover their talents and interests in the areas of science and technology.
He stated this on Friday, July 8, 2022, during the award ceremony of Dr Chinedu Umeadi Foundation’s 2022 quiz competition organized in collaboration with Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC), Awka.
Umeadi, YPP senatorial candidate for Anambra Central District for the 2023 general election, said his intention is to encourage young people to develop interest in science and technology.
“I’m passionate about education. I’m an academic myself. I’m a strong believer that education gives you the basics to build. Education is a foundation that everyone needs.
“Sponsoring the quiz competition is our own way of supporting Anambra government to achieve it’s set goals in education, and a way of encouraging students to develop interest in sciences.
“There is no doubt that Anambra needs more health professionals, who will service the population. There is also no doubt that the state needs more engineers that will take care of it’s infrastructure.
“Anambra is always the number one in external examinations, and our foundation wants to ensure that the state maintains the status quo,” he said.
Dr Umeadi, a professor of mental health, also said that the competition is not politically motivated, as, according to him, the foundation and competitions will continue even when he is no more.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director in the Department of Science and Technology, PPSSC, Awka, Mrs Okudo Ebere, commended Dr Chinedu Umeadi for providing opportunity to inspire science students in Anambra State to prove their readiness to adapt to the global standards of education in line with the vision of Governor Charles Soludo of competitive and progressive social agenda with a focus on excellence.
“The Commission is highly elated in the doggedness and resolute contributions of the financier, High Chief Umeadi, especially now that the world is facing retrogressive economic trends,” she said.
In her goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of PPSSC, Lady Oranusi Stella, praised the foundation for grooming young people in the areas of science and technology. She said the effort will help make Anambra students remain on top in external examinations.
In his own goodwill message, the Coordinator of the Foundation, Sir Ikem Onwuadi, reinstated the commitment of the foundation towards building brighter future for young people in the state; especially in inspiring confidence and spirit of competitiveness.
At the ceremony, awards were given to the best three students in each of the six educational zones for both junior and senior categories. Six best students in the state finals (both junior and senior categories) were also given awards.
There were also awards for teachers and schools that produced the award-winning students.
Ezenwunne Favour of the Loreto Special Science School (LSSS) Adazi, won the first position award at the senior category; while Ajakanome Chiamaka of the Maria Regina Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nnewi, won the first position award at the junior category.
Speaking after receiving his own award, Uche James Kasie, student of the Community High School, Nsugbe, who won first position award at the senior category in Otuocha Educational Zone, ulogized the foundation for the opportunity given to young people in the state to develop their talents in sciences and technology, and urged other affluent individuals to copy Dr Umeadi’s example.