UNIZIK Nursery, Primary School Celebrates Excellence as 37 Pupils Excel in Entrance Exams, Records Major Infrastructure Boost

By Staff Reporter

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Nursery and Primary School, Awka, has celebrated another remarkable academic milestone, with all 37 pupils presented for the 2026 UNIZIK High School entrance examination scoring above the qualifying mark, as the school also unveiled significant infrastructural upgrades and outstanding achievements at its 2026 Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony.

The colourful event, held on Thursday, July 23, at the school premises, brought together members of the University Management, parents, teachers, pupils and distinguished guests to celebrate academic excellence, character development and institutional progress.

Describing the occasion as “a celebration of excellence, resilience and collective achievement,” the Headmistress, Mrs. Elizabeth Uju Ifeacho, expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the University Management, the Board of Governors, parents and members of staff for their unwavering support throughout the academic session.

“It is a privilege to serve as the school’s third substantive Headmistress and the first to rise through the ranks of the teaching staff,” she said. “Our school remains one united family where teachers, parents and management work together to nurture academic excellence, discipline and sound moral values.”

Mrs. Ifeacho highlighted a series of impressive academic accomplishments recorded during the session. She announced that Chigolum Victory secured a prestigious scholarship to OSNON Academy, Uga, while the school emerged overall winner of the Matholon Inter-School Mathematics Competition and placed third in the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Children’s Day Quiz Competition.

She also revealed that every one of the 37 candidates presented for the UNIZIK High School entrance examination exceeded the minimum qualifying score of 50, with the highest score standing at an impressive 93.

To further encourage academic excellence, the Headmistress announced that the school approved a cash reward of ₦10,000 each for the overall best pupils from Nursery Three to Primary Six.

Beyond academics, she reaffirmed the school’s commitment to raising well-rounded children by emphasizing discipline, punctuality, integrity and the fear of God. According to her, pupils also participated in educational excursions to the Federal Road Safety Corps, Stanel World and other learning centres to broaden their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Ifeacho equally highlighted extensive infrastructural improvements executed with the support of the University Management under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie.

The projects included the renovation of the pre-nursery block, replacement of damaged aluminium windows, repainting of classroom blocks, repairs to ceilings, doors and electrical facilities, provision of new desks, chairs and whiteboards, installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered lighting, rehabilitation of the school’s access road and sustained environmental sanitation.

She disclosed that the school also strengthened its workforce through the engagement of six casual teachers and ten casual minders, while documentation and biometric capture of previously unpaid staff had been completed, leading to the restoration of one teacher to the payroll after years of waiting.

In an emotional moment, the Headmistress paid tribute to the late Mr. Chinemerem Ugwumba Uzoma, describing him as “a dedicated educator whose legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire generations of pupils and teachers.” She recalled that the school held a Service of Songs in his honour on July 3, 2026.

She urged the graduating pupils to remain disciplined, hardworking and worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever life takes them.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, congratulated the graduating pupils on successfully completing their primary education and encouraged them to remain focused as they advance to the next stage of their academic journey.

Commending the Headmistress, teachers and parents for their dedication, the Vice-Chancellor announced plans to personally fund the renovation of the nursery section and its playground.

“We will continue to invest in this school because our children deserve the very best learning environment,” he assured. “The University remains committed to recruiting more teachers and rewarding members of staff for their dedication and hard work.”

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Osondu Nnamdi, described the ceremony as a celebration of young learners who had distinguished themselves in both learning and character.

He praised the commitment of the teachers, commended the Headmistress for her exemplary leadership and acknowledged the vital contributions of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to the school’s continued growth.

He also applauded the University’s Governing Council, Management, Senate and the School Board for providing an enabling environment that has allowed the institution to flourish.

The ceremony featured the presentation of prizes to outstanding pupils, the unveiling of the 2026 Graduation and Prize-Giving Yearbook, cutting of the graduation cake, colourful cultural and musical performances by pupils and teachers, as well as an emotional farewell speech delivered by the Head Boy, Aniedu Godwin.

Among dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Hilda Osisioma; the PTA Chairman, Pastor Samuel Idowu; the Head of the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Dr. Doris Ugwude; the Father of the Day, Mr. Tony Onyido; the Mother of the Day, Dr. Nnabude Chinelo Ijeoma; the Principal of UNIZIK High School, Mrs. Israel O. A.; alongside parents, staff, pupils and other invited guests.

#