Public School Pupil Makes History, Wins Six-Year Scholarship at Idemili Quiz Challenge

By Uzo Ugwunze

History was made at the 8th Late Marshall Ochokwu Foundation All Idemili North and South Quiz Competition as Miss Isioma Okolie, a pupil of Umuota Primary School, Obosi, defied the odds to emerge as the first runner-up, becoming the first public school pupil to reach such a remarkable stage in the competition’s history.

Her outstanding performance against 197 other contestants not only earned her the second prize but also attracted an unexpected reward—a six-year full scholarship covering her secondary school education. The scholarship was generously awarded by Engr. and Mrs. Tonna Anyaeji, Chairman of the Obosi Development Union (ODU), Benin Branch, and was not originally part of the competition’s prize package.

The grand finale, held on July 31, 2026, was hosted by Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School (CIDS), Obosi, bringing together the brightest primary school pupils from across Idemili North and South Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the event, the Proprietor of CIDS and Director of the Late Marshall Ochokwu Foundation, Engr. Solomy Ochokwu, described Miss Okolie’s achievement as unprecedented.

“Since the inception of this competition eight years ago, no pupil from a public primary school had ever progressed beyond the first round. Isioma’s performance has broken that barrier and inspired hope for many more public school pupils,” he said.

Ochokwu disclosed that 198 pupils from 28 primary schools participated in the preliminary round held on June 26, 2026, while only 41 pupils from 12 schools qualified for the grand finale.

At the end of the keenly contested competition:

• Master Chukwuemeka David of Maria Ines School, Obosi, from Ugamuma Village, Anambra State, emerged the overall winner, receiving the ₦150,000 first prize, sponsored by CIDS.
• Miss Isioma Okolie of Umuota Primary School, Obosi, clinched the ₦100,000 second prize, sponsored by Engr. and Mrs. Tonna Anyaeji, in addition to the surprise six-year scholarship.
• Miss Delight Agubuesi of Maria Ines School, Obosi, an indigene of Imo State, won the ₦50,000 third prize, sponsored by Ambassador Chuma Nwike.
• Master Luke Chijindu of CIDS, from Okpuno Umuota, Obosi, secured the fourth prize of ₦30,000.
• Miss Mercy Idris, also of CIDS and from Kogi State, claimed the fifth prize of ₦20,000.

To further encourage academic excellence, the foundation also presented consolation prizes to the first 30 finalists, including 30 school bags valued at ₦600,000, donated by Engr. Eric Anyamene, alongside 30 mathematical sets and exercise books worth over ₦200,000.

Reflecting on the journey of the competition, Engr. Ochokwu explained that the initiative was established eight years ago in memory of his late father, Marshal Ochokwu, beginning as a quiz competition for only seven primary schools in Obosi.

“The competition started as an All-Obosi Primary School Quiz in honour of my late father. By the third edition in 2021, it expanded to cover Idemili North, and in 2023, due to overwhelming interest, it was enlarged to include both Idemili North and South.”

He added that the foundation remains committed to reviving healthy academic competition among primary school pupils across Anambra State.

“Our objective is to promote academic excellence and healthy competition among young learners. The quiz focuses on foundational subjects—Mathematics, English and Basic Science—and maintains credibility because participating teachers set the questions transparently on the spot.”

The competition has continued to grow in participation and prestige, rewarding excellence while providing young learners with opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. For Miss Isioma Okolie, what began as a quiz competition has become the gateway to a brighter educational future.

#