By Obiageli Nwankwo
Anambra State Government’s investment in education has continued to yield results as St. Patrick’s College, Awka, emerged overall winner of the 10th edition of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) annual quiz competition in the state.
The school, represented by Affam Ifechi Rita and Okeke Chukwualuka Anthony, outperformed six other top schools, including All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha; Carol Standard, Ichi; St Michael Secondary School, Ozubulu,Grundtvig International School, Oba; and Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Onitsha, to clinch the coveted prize. With this victory, St. Patrick’s College will fly the state’s flag at the national level in Abuja.
Addressing participants at the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, praised the competition as a strategic platform that complements Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s reforms in education by preparing students for leadership and governance. She expressed confidence that Anambra students would justify the state government’s efforts in raising a generation of informed and responsible citizens.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Olarewaju Sulaiman, explained that the competition aims to deepen understanding of legislative and democratic governance among secondary school students while inspiring young Nigerians to develop interest in legislative processes, adding that beyond knowledge, the initiative fosters citizen engagement in democracy.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, described the event as heartwarming, noting that education is his primary constituency. “You are the people I represent at the State Assembly, and it gladdens my heart to see such outstanding performance by Anambra students.
He further enjoined the students to be proud of their achievement irrespective of the position they took in the competition.
Hon Okpalaeke also applauded St. Patrick’s College and charged the school to make Anambra proud by winning the national trophy.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates of participation, gifts, and cash awards to the schools.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Golden Iloh.
Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
