Dr Onwe umahi

This 16-year-old boy, Ugwumba Obumneme Marchenry, came third in yesterday's Sterling Bank Online Mathematics Quiz. He is currently an SS3 student at Greater Tomorrow Model College, Ado-Ekiti. He outperformed thousands of students who participated from across the country. Another star has been discovered.

This 15-year-old boy, Bassey Stephen Etim, won today's Sterling Bank Online National Mathematics Quiz. He is currently an SS2 student at Dority International Secondary School, Aba, Abia State. He outperformed every other student who participated from across the country. Another star has been discovered.

FG Increases WAEC, NECO Examination Fee From N27,500 to N50,000 for 2027 The Federal Government has approved a new examination fee of N50,000 for candidates sitting the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), with the new rate taking effect from 2027. The approval was contained in a June 18 statement signed by Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education. It followed a request by WAEC for an upward review of the SSCE registration fee. The new fee represents an 82% increase from the current N27,500 charged per candidate. According to Ibrahim, the decision was reached after a March 31, 2026 meeting between the Minister of Education and examination bodies, where the need to review examination fees was discussed. He said the minister also directed both WAEC and NECO to adopt a uniform examination fee. “You may recall that at a meeting of examination bodies held with the honourable minister of education on 31 March, 2026, where the need for upward review of examination fees was discussed, the honourable minister directed that WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE,” the statement read. It added, “Consequently, I am directed to convey the honourable minister of education’s approval of the sum of fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00) only, as the new examination fee per candidate, with effect from NECO SSCE (Internal), 2027.” The ministry said the directive should be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

We will be closing registration for the 2027 South East Maths Olympiad on September 30, 2026. No other registrations will be accepted after the date above. We currently have 32,738 students registered. Anambra State currently has the lowest registration so far. The registration link remains: semo.educare.school/admission-form We will also be introducing the South East Science Olympiad in 2027 and one registration covers both competitions. I’m worried about the current gap in science among our children, and we will urgently need to fix it. Maths will be compulsory for everyone, while Science will be optional. However, the prize money will be split across both. A student is allowed to win both Maths and Science. Only the winners of Maths will represent us at the global stage in Lisbon, Portugal in 2027. We will also be sharing a new curriculum based on high-order thinking and pure application.

I need your honest opinion on this. I think it's time we introduce the South East STEM Olympiad alongside the South East Maths Olympiad. One registration covers both competitions. Our children have significant gaps in science, and we need to fix that as soon as possible. I'm thinking we should split the prize money between Mathematics and Science. We can hold both competitions on the same day but at different times. I've been studying several world-class science curricula that are built on higher-order thinking and real-world application. We can develop our own curriculum specifically for the competition and share it with schools across the South East so they can prepare their students effectively. What do you think?

The Anambra Man Who Coordinated The Rescue Of Oyo Pupils And Teachers By Ken Chukwudi Ralph Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife is the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army Ibadan, Oyo State. The Division oversees about 9 Brigades under its jurisdictions and the fine, gentleman and thorough bred officer was the one that coordinated the successful rescue of the 44 Oyo school pupils and their teachers. Major General CR Nnebeife is from Awka, Anambra State, precisely Umuogbu village. The Major General has always proven himself in assigned roles and responsibilities in his military career with the Nigerian Army, which has seen his steady rise in rank. Currently a two-star General taking the responsibility of a Division with 9 Brigades under his command and the successful rescue of the Oyo School pupils and teachers once again proves his mettle being the Coordinator of the rescue operation. The Major General during the course of his career also rescued kidnapped victims in Kwara State, in an operation he led as an Officer of the Nigerian Army. We pray for God's continued guidance, protection and wisdom, as he keeps discharging his constitutional responsibilities as a General in the Nigerian military, including getting higher promotion and responsibilities. Nnukwu Odogwu Nwa Awka deje! Shared by Uche Nworah Ph.D

Farewell to a Faithful Shepherd I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Benin City Ecclesiastical Province, who returned to the Lord yesterday. The news is particularly poignant because it comes after I recently had the privilege of seeing him as the homilist at the Thanksgiving Mass marking the 90th birthday of Anthony Cardinal Okogie. I also cherish the warm moments we shared on that memorable occasion. Archbishop Akubeze was a remarkable and compassionate shepherd - a courageous voice of truth who served the Church and our nation with distinction. As former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), he provided exemplary leadership, championing spiritual renewal, justice, peace, and the integral development of the human person. His humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel will remain an inspiration, while his dedication to the welfare of God’s people will never be forgotten. On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Archdiocese of Benin City, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the entire Catholic faithful, and his loved ones. May the Lord whom he served so faithfully receive him into His eternal glory, grant him eternal rest, and console all who mourn his passing. -PO

"I don't want to talk about Pastor Adeboye because do you know what it means to be a pastor? A pastor should rebuke a båd government, they don't benefit from it. I'm disappointed with our own set of pastors. My generation feels like a failure. The way I'm angry, eehhh. Our politicians are lavishing our resources, yet we keep praising them with the same resources we sent them to manage for us. Every politician is there to represent the citizens, serve the people, and remain accountable to them. We don't know our rights in this country. They use our money to send their children and relatives abroad to study while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer. That's why they go after people like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who speaks against them." — Pastor Odumeje

The Disheartening Humiliation of Prof. Aghaji Every day in this country, we find ourselves in a bizarre situation that we find difficult to understand: where we are and how we got to this uncivilised behaviour and rascality. Worse still, when you try to bring these abnormalities to the attention of those concerned, they resort to abuse instead of appreciation. Just this morning, my attention was drawn to the disrespectful and humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of Professor Martin Aghaji, a distinguished 74-year-old medical expert. This man was not invited, nor was any direct contact made with him. Instead, they invaded his home at Independent Layout, Enugu, in the dead of the night, at 2 a.m., to arrest him in front of his visiting daughter. As an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, esteemed academic, and elder statesman, Professor Aghaji warrants a considerable degree of respect, both because of his advanced age and his substantial contributions to our nation. More importantly, however, every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law. After the humiliation of breaking into his house and whisking him away from Enugu to Lagos for three days, all he got was, “Sorry, we made a mistake.” The public outcry concerning the state’s handling of Professor Aghaji’s case highlights a wider conflict between the actions of state security agencies and the imperative to safeguard professional integrity and individual dignity. Such conduct directed at a 74-year-old might not only exacerbate the critical “brain drain” but also severely damage the country’s already precarious healthcare infrastructure. This incident brings to mind the similar mistreatment of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike. Fortunately, due to prompt intervention, a formal public apology was issued to the affected doctor. The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals - and indeed any Nigerian - like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed POssible. -PO

Don-Anele Munachimso and Egejurum Onyedikachi were received like kings yesterday in Owerri. They returned home with two gold medals from the International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome. Together, they are the world's best in Mathematics in the Primary and Senior categories. Don-Anele Munachimso is also the world's best in Science (Senior Category). This is what excellence looks like. These children are not just champions; they are proof that Nigerian children can stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world when given the opportunity. They are stars today. The world will celebrate them even more tomorrow. This is not the peak. This is just the beginning of greatness.

The Children's Safe Return Is Worthy of Thanksgiving. I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes. While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma. The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government. Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction. I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

In 2023, I applied for a position at Zenith Bank and was successful. I completed all the rigorous stages of the employment process and received my official offer letter from the HR department via email. While my colleagues proceeded to Abuja to collect their posting letters, I declined to do so due to my strong passion for teaching. Fast forward to 2026, I have successfully completed my MSc in Mathematics and Education. I am also a SEMO and I-STEM Champion, in addition to several other notable academic achievements. I don't regret being a teacher!!!

We captured this beautiful moment as Egejurum Onyedikachi and Don-Anele Munachimso arrived at Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, yesterday to a true hero's welcome. These are not football stars. They are not musicians. They are not politicians. They are children. Children who became the world's best in Mathematics in the Primary and Senior categories. Don-Anele Munachimso is also the world's best in Science. The last literary figures from the South East to receive this kind of heroic public welcome were Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Watching our brightest young minds being celebrated like national heroes gives me hope. For too long, we have celebrated almost everything except academic excellence. That is beginning to change. Education is reclaiming its rightful place in our society, and a generation of children is growing up believing that knowledge, hard work and excellence deserve standing ovations too. This is bigger than two children. This is the beginning of a movement.

At Sam Mbakwe airport Owerri, a billboard has been put up for our star boy, Egejurum Onyedikachi, to celebrate him as he arrived in Owerri today. He is 11 years old and the world’s best in the Primary category for Mathematics. He is so good that he finished the exam and fell asleep. What a star!

A very joyful meeting with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy of Nigeria, H.E. Ms. Hannatu Musa Musawa @hanneymusawa, and her delegation, including H.E. Amb Innocent Iwejuo, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN and other IOs in Geneva; DG National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. @obiasika; Special Assistant to the President on Creativity, Mr. @BabaAgba_; and the one and only @LadiPoe. So proud of what Nigeria‘s creative industry is doing, including its significant contribution to economic growth, jobs, and incomes - particularly for our young people. We discussed the fact that segments of the creative industry are included in digitally delivered services trade, which, growing at 6% per year, is the fastest-growing segment of global trade. The key issue is how to support and enhance the industry so it can increase its footprint in this aspect of global trade. A lovely surprise to have @LadiPoe do one of his numbers, click on the video to see the performance.

You have met the 3 wise Men from the East. Have you met the 3 Wise Women From the East? Chioma Ezedimbu, Amarachi Mitchell Orji, Ugwu Kassandra Chimziterem all won golds for Nigeria at TeenEagle Global Finals, held at the University of Surrey in Guildford, Surrey, England. The international competition brought together students from around the world to test their English language proficiency, critical thinking, public speaking, and academic abilities.

Owerri Airport was at a standstill this morning on the arrival of Egejurum Onyedikachi and Don Anele Munachimso. Thousands of people came out to welcome them. They are the world’s best in the Maths Primary and Senior categories. They are also the world’s best in Chemistry. Education has taken back its place in our society, and it can only get better. We are extremely serious about education in the South East, and we are not backing down.

Our superstar Chimdiebube Onwubiko is about to head to Enugu. Thousands are already waiting for his grand arrival. He is the world’s best in the Junior Mathematics category. What a superstar!

We captured this beautiful moment of Chimdiebube Onwubiko arriving in Enugu yesterday to a hero's welcome. He won a gold medal at the International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome. I love seeing education reclaim its rightful place in our society. This is just the beginning of something great.