The Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has praised the outstanding achievement of Master Ernest Ifeanyichukwu Ofoama, who emerged as the highest scorer in the state during the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
During a ceremony held at the Government House in Enugu, Governor Mbah expressed his delight at the exceptional academic performance of the 18-year-old student. He highlighted the state's pride in Ernest's accomplishments and assured continued support for his academic pursuits and overall well-being to ensure he achieves his career aspirations.
The celebration continued as Enugu's First Lady, Mrs. Nkechiyere Mbah, extended her congratulations to Ernest by offering him a scholarship worth ₦1 million. The scholarship, provided through her foundation, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) programme, includes other incentives.
Master Ofoama, a role model for his peers, encouraged fellow students to prioritize their studies, avoid negative influences, and pursue excellence through hard work and innovation. He shared his immense gratitude for the recognition from the governor and the scholarship award from the First Lady, which he found overwhelming.
Hailing from Awha-Imezi in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Master Ofoama secured an impressive score of 347 points in the UTME. His achievement not only earned him the title of Enugu's top scorer but also led to him being selected for the prestigious First Lady's scholarship award, which is presented to the highest scorers from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The scholarship grant presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The event promises to be a celebration of academic excellence and a testament to the commitment of Enugu State in nurturing and supporting the educational aspirations of its young talents.