In a celebration of academic excellence, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, honoured Omigie Osaigbovo Cecil, the state’s highest scorer in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with a cash reward of N500,000.
Cecil, who scored an impressive 372 out of 400, was received in Benin by the Commissioner, who commended the young scholar for his outstanding performance. Describing the achievement as a source of pride for the state, Dr. Iyamu encouraged the student to continue on the path of excellence.
“I urge and encourage you to continue to strive for excellence as our dear Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, continually drives development as a man who wants the best for all Edo students,” the Commissioner said, while emphasizing the state’s recognition of dignity in excellence.
As part of the recognition, Cecil was also named an ambassador for the Ministry of Education, a role the Commissioner said symbolizes the values of hard work, discipline, and academic ambition that the state wishes to promote among young learners.
Dr. Iyamu further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to education, stating that Governor Okpebholo is focused on transforming the sector through infrastructural upgrades, improved teacher welfare, and inclusive policies like the Edu Rescue project—an initiative aimed at ensuring that no child in Edo State is left behind.
In his remarks, Cecil expressed deep gratitude for the honour, attributing his success to consistent study habits and the support of his parents. “My dream is to study Mechanical Engineering at the university,” he said. “I believe in studying smart and staying disciplined.”
His father, Dr. Osaro Cecil, also expressed heartfelt thanks to the government for recognising his son’s efforts. He encouraged other parents to provide moral and academic support to their children, stressing the importance of values and prayer in shaping a child’s future.
The recognition serves not only as a personal milestone for Cecil, but also as a message of inspiration to students across Edo State to aim high and believe in the rewards of hard work.