By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has awarded a full scholarship to Miss Umaniba Chiazo Francis, a Senior Prefect of Maria Regina Modern Comprehensive Secondary School, Nnewi. The scholarship will cover her education from undergraduate studies to PhD level.
Miss Umaniba scored 344 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
In addition, Governor Soludo presented a cheque of N2 million to Maria Regina Modern Comprehensive Secondary School in recognition of the students’ outstanding cultural dance performance at the event. He described the school as “a true centre of excellence.”
The governor made the announcement during the first-anniversary celebration of Solution Fun City in Awka on June 28.
“This is not a government scholarship, but a personal commitment. Even after my tenure as governor, I will continue to fund it.
“Like you, I was a Senior Prefect and graduated with top distinctions. I proceeded to university, earned a First-Class degree, and received multiple departmental and faculty awards. With your 344 JAMB score and your record as Senior Prefect, I believe you can also achieve a First-Class. I will be following your progress,” Soludo added.
Speaking on Solution Fun City, the governor noted its transformation from a swamp to a major leisure destination. “Today marks the first anniversary of Fun City, Awka, a hub for world-class entertainment. Just a few years ago, this was a swamp surrounded by thick vegetation. Today, it houses a leisure park, a water amusement park, and a country club.
“Anambra is moving from being a departure lounge to a destination. We need facilities that provide leisure, relaxation, and entertainment. These are critical to improving quality of life and making our state more attractive to residents and visitors,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairperson of the Solution Fun City Board, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, commended the governor for the initiative.
“It has been an incredible first year, and Ndi Anambra are proud of what has been achieved here,” she said.
“This is a huge responsibility. Our commitment to you and to Ndi Anambra is to sustain and expand these investments until we attain the vision you set out,” Mrs. Nnake added.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
