*By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo*
Dr. Emmanuel Abraham, Chairman of Topfaith Schools in Mkpatak, Essien Udim Local Council of Akwa Ibom, announced that Master Emmanuel Zekhome, a scholar from the school, has been awarded a cash prize of N1.5 million for his exceptional performance in this year’s Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE).
Speaking to journalists in Uyo yesterday, Dr. Abraham explained that the “Scholar of the Year” prize was established to motivate students and encourage academic excellence. He emphasized that the outstanding results achieved by the students in the 2024 WAEC examinations were not a coincidence but the result of a deliberate and methodical approach by the teachers, parents, and students.
Dr. Abraham highlighted that other scholars from the school have received this cash prize in previous years, and the school management remains committed to fostering a culture of academic achievement among its students.
An economist and education expert, Dr. Abraham noted that out of the 193 candidates presented by the school for the SSCE, the top 40 students achieved remarkable results, with three students each earning eight A’s out of nine subjects.
“The second set of nine students scored seven A’s, and the third set earned six A’s, while others scored five A’s, making them eligible for university admission,” he said.
Dr. Abraham expressed the school’s philosophy of striving for excellence, noting, “Our philosophy is that we are always aspiring to be on top because our faith is top. This is why we are called ‘TOPFAITH.’ With that alone, we are poised to continuously go up.”
He further elaborated on the breakdown of the students’ performance, stating, “The SSCE results for this year are much higher in performance than last year. The first 40 students, by our assessment, did exceptionally well. Out of this number, the top three students each scored eight A’s and one B, as our students offered nine subjects each in the examinations. Following them is another set of 12 students scoring six A’s and three B’s, while the rest scored between five and four A’s.”
Topfaith Schools presented 193 candidates for the 2024 SSCE, and the students were intentionally groomed to achieve these impressive scores. Dr. Abraham emphasized the importance of grade points in university admissions, particularly referencing the University of Calabar’s use of grade points to screen JAMB candidates.
“This year, the University of Calabar is using grade points to screen JAMB candidates for admission. With students earning eight or nine A’s, their aggregate points will stand out,” he explained.
Dr. Abraham confidently asserted that students from other schools would struggle to compete with Topfaith’s students in this year’s university admission process, praising the intentional approach taken by the school to nurture excellence. “We thank God that our approach in grooming the students to achieve this excellence has been blessed by God, activated by our students, and guided by our teachers,” he said.
