By Gabriel Dike
Two whiz-kids who emerged best overall in Nigeria’s public secondary schools have been honoured by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Edeani Izuchukwu Godswill of Air Force Comprehensive School, Agbani, Enugu State and Whisky Joan Jedidiah of Federal Government College, Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, emerged the best overall male and female students in the May/June 2021 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSEC), in all subjects.
Edeani obtained eight As in Economics, Civic Education, English Language, Further Mathematics, General Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Animal Husbandry. Whisky obtained eight As in Economics, Civic Education, English Language, General Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Catering Craft Practice.
They were honoured at the 60th annual meeting of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) in Asaba, Delta State. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, NNC members, WAEC management and stakeholders applauded the performance of the two students.
Ediani emerged best graduating student in 2021; best in Chief of the Air Staff National quiz and debate contest in 2021, first position in nationals, 774 Young Nigerian scientists presidential award in 2021, third prize winner of International Excellence award for WASSCE in 2021 and second winner of National Distinction/Merit Award in 2021 school exam.
He still dreams of studying abroad.
Whisky emerged best in some subjects at SS level. She also won several other awards.
‘Secrets of our successes’
Edeani told The Education Report his teachers motivated him. He disclosed that he did prepare well, consulted his teachers, studied with peers, solved past questions, and read widely:
“I am waiting to start my study at UNN because of the ASUU strike but my desire is to study abroad. The course is not available in Nigeria. I want to study Biomedical Engineering outside the country.
“I appeal to my governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to sponsor my university education abroad. I really need the state government support to make my dream come true.”
He also appealed to the Senator representing Enugu East, Chimaroke Nnamani and other prominent people to help in sponsoring his education: “I want to assure them that if they fund my university education, I will come back after my study to help contribute my quota to Enugu State and Nigeria. Please, I need their assistance.”
For seventeen-year-old Whisky: “In JSS, I was an average student. In SSI, I was moved to science class. I was not confident but my parents encouraged me. At the end of SSI, I got award and my grades improved.
“I like to read in the night from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and wake up by 3:00am to read till 5:00pm. I also had a study group in my class.
“I also consulted many text books. I sought help from my teachers to solve difficult topics. I want to study Medicine.”
Governor Okowa congratulated Edeani and Whisky for making their parents and schools proud. He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Patrick Ukah.
He commanded WAEC for the investment in the future of the Nigeria child. He said his administration would support any initiative embarked by the council aimed at improving its service and maintaining the integrity of certificates awarded to candidates.
Chairman, NNC, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, disclosed that the council would present awards to the duo: “They will also be honoured with cash prizes, cheques and certificates.”
Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO), Mr. Patrick Areghan, remarked: “NNC ensures that policies of the council are formulated and executed in the best public interest. It guarantees smooth conduct of the council’s operations in every part of the country.
“WAEC, which has grown in leaps and bounds in the last 70 years, will continue to deliver its mandate of being a world-class examining body and add value to the educational goals of its stakeholders.”
Owaza Secondary School, Asa, Abia State, won the best overall public secondary school in sciences and was presented with an award. Government Days Secondary School, Gurbin Bore, Zamfara State, emerged winner of best public secondary school in all subjects and received award for its performance.