In Abuja on Thursday, the National Education Awards Programme (NEAP) and the Federal Ministry of Education came together to affirm a renewed commitment to enhancing educational standards across Nigeria. The gathering, which marked NEAP’s third annual awards ceremony for the 2024–2025 cycle, underscored the shared belief that delivering quality education demands collaboration among government, civil society, and communities.
The ceremony celebrated top-performing students from national examinations, recognising academic excellence as well as fostering a culture of reading, integrity, and lifelong learning grounded in innovation and social responsibility.
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A Spotlight on Excellence, Integrity and Early Engagement
At the heart of the event was NEAP’s purpose: to motivate students and educators through recognition and reward. The awards honoured outstanding performers in the National Examinations Council (NECO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), celebrating those who excelled academically.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Nnenna Leo Agwoko, speaking on behalf of the Director-General of Senior Secondary Education, stressed that such incentives encourage students and educators to strive for excellence. She reiterated the Ministry’s support for initiatives that align with its broader goals of inclusive and quality education.
NEAP’s Chairman of Planning, Anselm Ijebor, spoke passionately about the theme “Catch Them Young”. He argued that early motivation, guidance, and opportunities help steer youth away from social vices such as irregular migration, cybercrime and cultism — prevalent concerns in many communities. According to him, education remains the most reliable instrument for channelling youthful energy toward growth, productivity and societal contribution.
Strengthening Public–Private Partnership in Education
Speakers at the event emphasised that the government alone cannot guarantee high educational standards. As expressed by Otunba Biodun Ajibola, the Chairman of the occasion, achieving quality education requires strong public–private partnerships and collective responsibility. He called on stakeholders, government, NGOs, parents, educators, and communities to renew their commitment to educational integrity and investment.
There was a clear call for structural support beyond awards. Highlighting the need for innovation, skills development, the use of technology, and research-driven learning, one of the guest speakers, Onuoha Nnachi, urged stakeholders to nurture a “learn how to learn” mindset that encourages curiosity, adaptability, and holistic growth of learners.
This emphasis resonates with broader reforms outlined by the Ministry of Education, including prioritising digital literacy, teacher professionalism, and curriculum enhancements to align with global standards. Recent efforts show that these reforms aim to move Nigeria’s education system away from traditional rote-learning towards skills, creativity and critical thinking.
Renewed Hope: A Call to Sustain the Momentum
As the 3rd NEAP awards ceremony drew to a close, there was palpable optimism. The gathering ended with renewed pledges from all involved to sustain collaboration, uphold integrity in examinations, and continually invest in educational innovation and youth empowerment.
This renewed commitment comes at a time when the Ministry of Education has launched several reform-oriented initiatives, such as professional development for teachers, inclusion of vocational and digital skills in curricula, and robust mechanisms for quality assurance.
Stakeholders at the ceremony emphasised that award-driven recognition, community involvement and systemic reforms must work hand in hand. Only then can Nigeria build a strong generation equipped to face global challenges — and help steer the nation toward sustainable growth and prosperity.
In an era where education is increasingly the cornerstone of national development, the alignment of vision between NEAP and the Ministry signals hope. If sustained, their partnership could set a powerful precedent, transforming Nigerian education from promises on paper into real change in classrooms, communities and across generations.
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