Learn Africa Plc, formerly known as Longman, has awarded a total of N2.25 million to the three best students in the 2023 National Examination Council (NECO) exams. The top achievers were celebrated in an award ceremony held in Lagos, marking a significant recognition of their academic excellence.
The overall best student, Chima Okafor of St. Paul’s Academy, Plateau State, who scored nine A’s, received a sum of N1 million. The second place, Chelsea Ifebube of Renaissance Garden School, Lagos, was awarded N750,000, while the third place, Charles Taleatu of Oritamefa Baptist Model School, received N500,000.
During the ceremony, the Chairman of Learn Africa, Mr. Emeke Iwerebon, congratulated the outstanding students and encouraged them to use this achievement as a source of inspiration for future endeavors. “Remember that success is not confined to a select few. With hard work, determination, and a passion for learning, you too can achieve greatness. Believe in yourselves, set high goals, and work tirelessly towards them,” he stated.
Iwerebon highlighted Learn Africa’s commitment to academic excellence through the Learn Africa Education Development Foundation, which established the Learn Africa NECO Excellence Award in 2012. This initiative aims to recognize academic brilliance, reward outstanding students, schools, and teachers, and encourage healthy competition at the secondary school level. “At Learn Africa, we are dedicated to providing the resources and books necessary for students to thrive. We understand the challenges on the path to academic success, and we are here to support and encourage every step of the way,” he added.
Okafor, who aspires to become a medical doctor, attributed his success to years of hard work and dedication. He advised other students, “If you keep doing what you’re doing, reading is the only way out. There’s no shortcut to success. So you have to do the work. You should work hard and also work smart. Know when to do the right thing.”
Ifebube shared her experience, noting the challenges she faced after moving from South Africa and missing part of SS1 and SS2. “It took a lot of work, a lot of dedication, a lot of prayer, especially to get to where I was and ask God to just favor me and lead me. I’m very thankful for that and the foundation I’ve had,” she said.
Taleatu credited his father’s influence and support for his academic achievements. “My father likes buying books, even those not in our syllabus. When I read them, I’m exposed to a wider area of knowledge, and I can compete better. They’ve also created a support system that made it easy for me to read and study without distractions,” he explained.
The award ceremony underscored Learn Africa’s ongoing dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting Nigerian students in achieving their educational goals.