The Learn Africa Education Development Foundation has honoured the top three performers in the 2024 National Examination Council’s (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination with cash awards worth N2.25 million.
At the NECO Excellence Awards held yesterday, Adeyemo Emmanuella Adedamola of Our God Reigns Crystal School, Ota, clinched the overall best position with nine A’s and received a cash prize of N1 million. Nwachukwu Victor Ikechukwu of Saint Paul’s Academy, Jos, emerged as first runner-up with a reward of N750,000, while Watt Victory Oluwaseun of Crescent International High School, Ota, took the second runner-up spot with N500,000.
Chairman of Learn Africa Plc, Chief Emeke Iwerebon, said the award initiative, part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, was established to celebrate and reward academic excellence.
He praised the students for their resilience and commitment, noting that their success reflects not only their personal effort but also the contributions of teachers, parents, and schools. “Your success today is proof that determination and discipline yield remarkable results,” he said, while urging them to remain curious, innovative, and dedicated to making a difference in society.
Iwerebon also commended teachers as the “bedrock of the country’s education system,” adding that their role in shaping young minds is invaluable. He described the cash gifts as both a reward and a symbol of encouragement for greater achievements.
Seventeen-year-old Adedamola, now studying Pharmacy at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, expressed her ambition to work in a pharmaceutical company within five years and contribute to developing life-saving medications for diseases such as cancer.
Acting Director of NECO’s South-West Zonal Directorate, Dr. Benjamin Bargu, lauded Learn Africa for the gesture and called on other stakeholders to support government efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
