By Seyi Odewale
As a way of enhancing educational excellence, the Namita Mazumdar Endowment Fund (NMEF), in partnership with the Old Girls of Anglican Girls’ Grammar School in Ughelli, Delta State, has given awards and prizes to some deserving senior and junior pupils and teachers of the school.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the fourth award/prize-giving ceremony, which was recently held at the school’s premises in Ughelli, the Endowment Fund stated its objective is to promote a high disciplinary standard among AGGS students.
The NMEF is an annual event founded by Mrs Namita Mazumdar, the school’s former principal. Mrs Stellamaris Omu, a retired renowned educationist, chairs its Board of Trustees.
In the communique signed by Omu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Prof Ngozi Iloh, Assistant Secretary, the Fund, which started in 2021, has become a rallying point for the Old Girls of AGGS worldwide to give back to their alma mater.
Miss Confidence Onyah, the first recipient of the position in academics and disciplinary standards throughout senior secondary school, was one of the beneficiaries of this year’s award in the senior category.
The second and third positions went to Miss Lovely Eseoghene Onohwakpor and Miss Sarah Oghenemarho Amrevwobrise.
Miss Kassandra Ofega James, Miss Shalom Samson, and Miss Esther Oluebube Onyegbunnam were the awardees for the junior category, clinching the first, second, and third positions, respectively.
The Fund also appreciated three teachers’ diligence, dedication, focus, and result-oriented approach to maximizing students’ learning and achieving demonstrable excellent WASSCE results.
These notable teachers were Mr. Obi-Nwafor Obinwanne (Mathematics Teacher- 2023), Mr. James Bevughe (Mathematics Teacher, 2023), and Mrs. Forcados Iroro-Evwo (Geography Teacher, 2024).
The communiqué noted, “It is worth noting that the award winners for the SSS category in the last three years have already been doing very well in their chosen careers in the universities within and outside the country.
“The Board of Trustees recommends greater efforts from all teachers and students and encourages them to shun examination malpractice while working harder to achieve more goals and laurels.
“Their effort in creating a supportive classroom environment and passion for the subjects they taught are truly inspiring. The Board of Trustees thanked them immensely for their motivating service to the students of AGGS, Ughelli.”
Mrs Margaret Atano, the Vice Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, chaired the event.
At the same time, Prof Ufuoma Awhefeada, an old girl and Director of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies, Delta State University, Abraka, delivered the keynote address titled: “Addressing Skills Gaps: Preparing Students for In-2 Demand Jobs in Nigerian Economy.”
Other dignitaries include Most Reverend Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of Bendel Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, and Prof Elo Ibagere, Provost of Delta State University, Ozoro.
The Board of Trustees consists of Mrs Namita Mazumdar (Founder), Mrs Stellamaris Ufuoma Omu, nee (Chairperson), Mrs Siomenoja Telkman (Secretary), Prof Ngozi Iloh (Assistant Secretary), Mrs Veronica Iwebema (Financial Secretary), Rev Enakeno Ohiorenoya (Public Relations Secretary), Ms Veronica Uvwroma (Welfare Secretary), and Mrs Patricia Irimefe (Assistant Welfare Secretary).
