Master Samuel Nder, an eighteen-year-old former student of Vaatia College, Makurdi, Benue State, was yesterday, honoured as the best candidate in the May/June West African Senior Certificate Examination (WASSCE) written by over 1.7 million candidates nationwide.
At a colourful ceremony in Akure, Ondo State, during the 53rd annual general meeting of Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nder and two other candidates were rewarded for their performance in the May/June 2015 WASSCE.
Aside Nder, who obtained 9 A1s in the school exam to emerge the best candidate, 18-year-old, Miss Onyinye Oguejiofor, formerly of Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje, Anambra State, came second with 9 A1s while 17-year-old Master Oluwatobi Raji, formerly of St Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu, Lagos, also recorded 9A1s in the WASSCE.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said: “We have always welcomed with passion any educational programme that the state is privileged to host. Our passion is always borne out of the convictions that, no nation can ever rise above the quality of her education. This is because education is the vital organ and the very pivot around which all national life resolves."
Governor Mimiko, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Oluboyo, commended WAEC for its efforts in conducting standard examinations and producing credible results over the years.
The chairman of WAEC NNC, Mrs. Anne Okonkwo, stated the awards were aimed at encouraging youths to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.