● Stephanie Daberechukwu

Mmesoma Okonkwo from Anambra State outperforms thousands of international candidates in the 2023 Cambridge International Examination, highlighting Nigeria’s rising academic stars.

In a stunning academic feat that has drawn international acclaim, 17-year-old Mmesoma Okonkwo from Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, has been named the Overall Best in English Language in the 2023 Cambridge International Examination. The recognition places her at the very top among thousands of candidates from around the world who sat for the globally recognized assessment.

A student of Chrisland High School, Victoria Garden City, Lagos, Mmesoma served as Head Girl of the 2023 graduating class and consistently distinguished herself through academic excellence and leadership. Her Cambridge achievement is the latest in a series of remarkable milestones that have defined her secondary school journey.

In addition to her global success in English, Mmesoma earned A1 grades in all nine subjects in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC). This rare accomplishment underscores her all-round brilliance and the quality of education she received.

Teachers, peers, and educational leaders have described Mmesoma as focused, self-driven, and a natural leader. She received numerous awards throughout her school years, and her performance has become a symbol of the untapped intellectual potential within Nigeria’s youth.

Her success story is being celebrated not just as a personal triumph, but as a powerful example of Nigeria’s growing brain gain – the cultivation of homegrown talent that competes and triumphs on the global stage. It also puts a spotlight on Southeast Nigeria as a region producing world-class achievers.

Mmesoma has expressed a desire to study Business Administration at the tertiary level, aiming to combine her academic strength with leadership in enterprise and innovation. Those close to her say she is poised to make meaningful contributions in both local and international arenas.

The news of her achievement has sparked widespread celebration across Nigeria and beyond, with government officials, educators, and citizens hailing her as a national asset and role model for young students across the continent.

From Anambra to the world, Mmesoma Okonkwo’s academic journey reflects the brilliance and promise of a new generation – one that is not only prepared to meet global standards but to set them. GMTNewsng

● Chelsea Chinenye

In a heartwarming gesture of hope and transformation, Yes to Literacy (Y2L), a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering the African child, has brightened the future of 29 students at Ozalla High School, Ozalla, Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. Through its Back2School Initiative, the organization awarded scholarships that covered a full session’s school fees for the beneficiaries. Four senior secondary school students in SS3 also had their WAEC and NECO examination fees fully paid, removing significant barriers to their academic advancement.

Speaking on the development, the Principal of Ozalla High School, Comrade Simeon Akaeme, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, describing the initiative as an inspiring display of God’s grace. “To God be all the glory. I am so excited and encouraged by what Y2L has done. My advice to the students who won is to stay focused and continue excelling. For those who didn’t win, I urge them not to lose hope as their turn could come next time,” he said.

The initiative is part of Y2L’s broader mission to bridge the educational gap between privileged and underprivileged communities. Founded to invest in the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral development of African children, Y2L provides access to quality learning resources, creates conducive environments for education, and promotes lifelong learning to prepare children for a better future. The organization also prioritizes teacher development to enhance educational outcomes.

Comrade Simeon Akaeme, Principal of Ozalla High School (middle) flanked on both sides by his students

Mrs. Chigoziem Ubachukwu, Founder of Y2L, explained the inspiration behind the Back2School Initiative. “We cannot turn a blind eye to the struggles faced by children in underserved communities. Every child deserves a chance to dream, learn, and achieve. Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that no child is left behind, one scholarship at a time,” she said.

The program began with a call for applications at Ozalla High School, where students in need of support were invited to write letters to potential sponsors explaining their aspirations. According to Miss Amara Onyeji, Y2L’s Chief Operating Officer, “The response from the students was overwhelming. It showed us just how many lives we could touch with this project, and we are grateful to everyone who supported us in making this possible.”

Despite challenges with funding, Y2L secured scholarships for all 29 applicants through a focused social media campaign. Miss Chisom Orie, Y2L’s Communications Champion, added, “Sharing the children’s letters anonymously allowed us to connect their stories with compassionate individuals. Their generosity has truly transformed lives.”

The success of the program has brought renewed hope to students and their families. One beneficiary, a senior secondary school student, remarked, “This scholarship means everything to me. It’s the push I need to keep striving for a better future.” Parents have also expressed their appreciation, highlighting the relief and hope the initiative has brought to their households.

R-L: Miss Amara Onyeji – Chief Operating Officer, Y2L; Mrs Chigoziem Ubachukwu – Founder, Y2L; Miss Chisom Orie – Communications Champion, Y2L; and Comrade Simeon Akaeme, Principal of Ozalla High School.

Y2L’s unwavering dedication to literacy and education is transforming lives, one scholarship at a time. By ensuring that no child is left behind, the organization is making a resounding statement that the future of Africa lies in the hands of educated and empowered children. GMTNewsng

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By Chelsea Chinenye

According to a recent report, primary school education in public schools in Enugu State is suffering from a severe literacy crisis. In fact, it has been discovered that 90% of primary six pupils in public primary schools are not able to read for meaning.

Ekulu Primary School in GRA Enugu has been cited as a prime example of just how grave the situation has become. Upon a research team’s visit, it was observed that most of the primary six pupils were functional illiterates. This means that while they were able to read words, they could not comprehend the content.

This distressing situation has been highlighted in the 2022/2023 Reading Research carried out by the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB. The findings of the report were released on June 23, 2023, and clearly indicate that the country is experiencing a devastating setback in the area of literacy- the foundation block for all education.

As the situation continues to worsen and impact an increasing number of children, it is hoped that this crucial issue will receive the attention it so desperately needs. With this, there is hope that urgent actions will be taken to resolve the literacy crisis and give every child in Nigeria the opportunity to receive a proper education.

The results of the recently-released 2022/2023 Reading Research report indicate that the literacy crisis in Nigeria is far more widespread than previously believed. Extrapolating from data collected in Enugu State, the report estimates that a staggering 88% of primary six pupils in Nigeria’s public schools cannot read for meaning.

These alarming statistics have spurred the Founder of the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB, Onyema Okoani, to take action. The 2022/2023 Reading Research was coordinated by his organization, which aims to ensure that by the end of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) year 2030, all Nigerian children aged ten and older will be able to read for meaning.

As part of their efforts to promote literacy in Enugu-East Senatorial District of Nigeria, the Agbani Community-based Book Club has distributed over 4,000 new books and conducted 70 classroom programs in pursuit of SDG’s 4 (Quality Education). The group believes that cultivating a culture of reading should not be a difficult task, and that all Nigerian children should have access to quality education.

It is hoped that the findings of the 2022/2023 Reading Research report will serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and educators in Nigeria to address this critical issue. With the support of organizations such as the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB, it is possible to give every child in Nigeria the opportunity to learn to read and develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

In light of the recent report on the literacy crisis in Nigerian primary schools, it has become increasingly apparent that early literacy education is of paramount importance. Research has shown that children must be taught how to read and comprehend what they have read from their early formative stages. When pupils are denied this ability and only pushed to learn when they reach secondary school, it becomes difficult for them to catch up with their peers who are successful learners.

To combat this issue, The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is committed to engaging and transforming children in public schools into habitual readers, with the hope of increasing literacy rates across Nigeria. However, they have discovered that during their research, very few teachers in public schools actually enjoy reading or engage with literature themselves.

This presents a significant challenge, as a love for reading cannot be instilled in students if their teachers are not exhibiting that same passion for literature. It is a common knowledge that if the teacher is not reading himself, he can not encourage students to start reading.

However, the situation is different in some private primary schools in Enugu state. For instance, a particular school has implemented a program called “DEAR,” which stands for “Drop Everything And Read.” Every day, for the last half-hour before the school dismisses, everyone in the school – including teachers, headteachers, and other staff – is required to drop whatever they are doing and read. This has created an atmosphere where reading has become part of the school culture, and students are naturally motivated to read.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB believes that this revolutionary program can inspire a love of reading and drive up literacy rates in Nigeria’s public schools. It is essential that Nigerian educators and policymakers adopt such measures and prioritize early literacy education if they hope to address the literacy crisis in the country.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB has reiterated the importance of reading amongst teachers in Nigeria’s primary schools. The organization believes that if teachers are not engaged in reading, it will ne impossible to instill the interest in their students. It is clear that in order to address the literacy crisis in the country, reading initiatives must be prioritized.

It is especially critical to encourage reading at an early age, and the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is committed to providing age-appropriate reading materials that will appeal to children enough to keep them reading, even when they are not encouraged by their parents or teachers. The club’s picture book stories are designed to captivate the imagination and grasp their attention, making reading a leisurely activity and not a punishment.

The organization has called on the Federal Ministry of Education and their state counterparts to promote the reading and writing of children’s picture books in basic schools across Nigeria. Furthermore, they have urged public and private organizations, donor agencies, and private-minded individuals to aid them in their reading revolution by sponsoring a new campaign tagged “Festival of Knowledge” (Nkanu for Nigeria).

The campaign will involve the distribution of new storybooks titled “Adorable Dora” to every primary six pupil in public schools across Nigeria. For the paltry sum of ₦1,500 per child, they will receive a new book to take home, in the hope of cultivating a love of reading and increasing literacy rates across the country. The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB understands that reading at an early age can help build a foundation for academic success and hopes to contribute to this cause.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB has emphasized the significance of reading children’s picture books in boosting the literacy rates of primary school children. Such initiatives can help young learners grasp challenging concepts without necessarily experiencing them firsthand. Additionally, picture books introduce children to new vocabulary and promote language skills that can aid in grasping different subjects in secondary schools.

Moreover, reports indicate that many children in public primary schools have never owned a book in their lives. BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is determined to rectify this situation by promoting book ownership to ignite a love for reading in young children.

In light of this mission, the club invites the public to assist a child in any public primary school in Nkanu East/West LGA to read and own a book (Adorable Dora). A new reading session is set to hold on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Ubia Primary School near Augustine Nnamani Law School, Agbani, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB hopes that this call to action will encourage more public and private organizations, donor agencies, and individuals to join the reading revolution and take steps towards improving the literacy rates among primary school children in Nigeria.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB has released the contact details of individual who is available to provide more information regarding sponsorship opportunities. Anyone interested in contributing to the book club’s cause is encouraged to reach out and support this initiative.

For further sponsorship details, please contact:

Pupils of Station Primary School Agbani, Enugu State

• Onyema Okoani at 0803 673 8205

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is committed to promoting literacy and increasing literary rates among primary school children. The club believes that early literacy education is fundamental in building a foundation for academic success and aims to make this accessible to children across Nigeria.

It is hoped that potential sponsors will heed the call and support the club’s mission to distribute Adorable Dora storybooks to primary six pupils in public schools across Nigeria. With the support of public and private organizations, donor agencies, and private-spirited individuals, Black Jaguar Book Club believes that it can bring about a positive change in the country’s poor literacy rates. GMTNews