By Obiageli Nwankwo :
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced a five-year sponsorship of BECE and WAEC examination fees for all JSS3 and SS3 students of Uga Boys Secondary School, Uga, his alma mater.
During his visit to the school, Gov. Soludo rolled out plans to transform the institution into a modern smart school. The upgrades will include restoring boarding facilities, constructing modern teachers’ quarters, principal’s lodge, and improving the school’s road networks, water supply, and power infrastructure.
Describing the visit as an emotional “homecoming,” Soludo, a pioneer student and the first Senior Prefect of the school, emphasized his commitment to restoring the school to its former glory. He praised its history of producing outstanding individuals who have excelled in various fields.
“The quality of teachers determines the quality of learning, which directly impacts the progress of society,” Soludo remarked. He commended the school’s dedication to shaping future leaders and reiterated the government’s ongoing investments to turn selected schools in Anambra State into model smart schools. These institutions will serve as benchmarks for statewide modernization.
The Governor also urged the Uga community to take collective responsibility for safeguarding government assets under the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative, cautioning against theft and vandalisation.
During the event, the school’s Principal, Mr. Igwedinma Benjamin, and Senior Prefect, Master Chinago Chidumebi, expressed gratitude for the governor’s transformative efforts in the education sector. They also appealed for further support to enhance the school and address vandalism by miscreants.
Highlights of the visit included a cash award of ₦100,000 to Senior Prefect Chinago Chidumebi for his eloquent welcome address delivered in Igbo. The school also presented Gov. Soludo with a portrait honoring his role as the institution’s first Senior Prefect.
The event was attended by key figures such as the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma Udeh, the Chairman of the Post Primary School Service Commission,(PPSSC) Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, and representatives from neighboring schools, including Girls Secondary School Uga and Community Secondary School, Uga.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State