By Asuquo Cletus
Atonyire Joshua Ikwenji of Government Secondary School, Shikpeche in Obanliku Local Government Area, has emerged as the best-performing WAEC student in Cross River state, clinching the ₦250,000 grand prize at the just-concluded Statewide Student Academic-Thon Challenge held in Calabar on Saturday NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School won the quiz category, while Government Secondary School, Adiabo emerged as the overall best-performing school, receiving a ₦2 million project funding award. The winner of the spoken word performance received ₦150,000, while every participating student went home with a ₦10,000 consolation prize.
The event, organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Advocacy in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the State Planning Commission, and other key education stakeholders, brought together students from public secondary schools across the state in a vibrant showcase of intellectual and creative talent.
Held at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, the Academic-Thon featured quiz competitions, spoken word performances, and cultural displays aimed at celebrating academic excellence and fostering innovation among the youth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Abasiofiok Akpabio, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Advocacy, described the initiative as more than just a competition.
“This Academic-Thon is a platform to inspire a new generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators. Our goal is to build a future-ready student population in Cross River state capable of tackling real-world challenges,” she said.
“This is a journey of excellence aimed at unearthing academic brilliance. The program will provide students with an opportunity to showcase their intellectual might. Our vision is clear—to revive academic excellence, redirect our students toward intellectual pursuits, and discover hidden talents. For years, our public schools have nurtured some of the best talents whose potential has often lacked a big stage,” she added.
Akpabio emphasized the government’s aim to ensure every public school student, regardless of background, feels motivated, gains exposure, and accesses incredible educational opportunities.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, lauded the participants for their dedication and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to positioning Cross River as a beacon of academic excellence.
“Education remains a central pillar of our development strategy. We will continue to invest in initiatives that promote learning, critical thinking, and innovation. This is our mandate as a people-first administration,” the Governor noted.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr.
Stephen Odey, represented by Cyril Itam, Director of General Duties at the Ministry of Education, expressed optimism about the future of education in the state, saying: “This Academic-Thon Challenge reflects our commitment to improving the quality of education in Cross River State.
“We believe that fostering healthy competition among students will encourage them to push their limits, develop critical thinking skills, and innovate. The government is dedicated to creating an enabling environment where students and teachers alike can thrive and achieve academic excellence.”
The event was attended by Special Adviser on Administration representing the wife of the Governor, Dr. Comfort Oko, and the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Professor Fransica Bassey, among others.
