By Ishaya Ibrahim
Acting News Editor
A journalist with TELL magazine, Anthony Akaeze, has inaugurated a prize for the best graduating student in St Patrick’s College Emene.
Akaeze is an Alma Mater of the college, also known as SPACO. He instituted the award as a way of giving back to the school that made him the multiple award winning journalist in Nigeria and abroad and to stimulate the pursuit of academic excellence among the youngsters.
“In respect to this prize, which carries a value of N30,000 for now, it is simply my humble way of identifying with my alma mater which I consider an extension of my family,” Akaeze said.
“Whichever way we look at it, family takes precedence for the end is inextricably linked to the beginning. St Patrick’s marked my first major beginning in life in terms of knowledge acquisition and I consider it both an honour and privilege to institute this prize which I hope will outlive me. I believe I owe it to the school, after all, whatever I may be today, and whatever I hope to be, it’s thanks to St Patrick’s as I think that the real foundation of my life was laid here,” he added.
The principal of the college, Rev Fr Chijioke Eze, said that the ANTHONY AKAEZE PRIZE for the best graduating student in St Patrick College Emene would encourage the students to study harder.
“This programme is first of its kind in the history of this great college. Anthony Akaeze is a noble SPACO Old boy currently making waves as the Senior Associate Editor of the TELL Magazine.
“I noticed his interest in his alma mater when he paid an unscheduled visit a couple of years ago and since then we have been on talking terms. And now he has come up with this noble project that will make our graduating students study harder for an excellent result.
“The project is geared towards picking the best student in WAEC and appreciating him with a cash award of thirty thousand naira.
“It will interest you to note that we recorded 99% success in WAEC this year (2017). So far some of them have already gained admission in the universities and polytechnics. My dear brother Anthony we thank you and pray God to reward your effort with more prosperity. We congratulate the awardee and wish him the best in his future endeavor,” the principal said.
