As part of measures to encourage academic excellence in public schools, the Abia State government has rewarded teachers and students of government-owned secondary schools that emerged as major highlights of the maiden Teachers End of Academic Session Excellence Award Day (TEASEAD 2026).

The maiden TEASEAD 2026, held to mark the conclusion of the 2025/2026 academic session of the Science Teachers’ Championship (STC), was organised by Assppaa-Isbors Platform Limited, promoters of the Science Teachers’ Championship, in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and other education stakeholders, to celebrate excellence in teaching and learning at the end of the 2025/2026 academic session.

Among the major award recipients was Ebenezer Favour of Afugiri Girls Secondary School, Umuahia North, who distinguished herself as one of the outstanding students in the competition, emerging as the best in several science subjects, including Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Her exceptional performance placed Afugiri Girls Secondary School in the spotlight, demonstrating the capacity of public schools in Abia State to produce students who can compete favourably in science and other academic disciplines when given the right support and encouragement.

The school also produced the Best Chemistry Teacher, Mrs Uchenna Victoria, whose outstanding contribution to science education was recognised alongside the achievements of her students.

The event also brought together education stakeholders, government officials, teachers, students and representatives of private-sector organisations as the recognition of both the student and her teacher underscored the central message of the awards ceremony: that student excellence in science is often strengthened by the commitment, creativity and dedication of teachers who inspire learners in the classroom.

Declaring the event open, Abia State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr David Kalu, said the gathering was more than an awards ceremony, but a celebration of dedication, hard work and the collective commitment of stakeholders to advancing education, science and innovation in the state.

Kalu said the recognition of teachers was particularly important because behind every successful science student was often a committed and passionate teacher who had helped to nurture the student’s curiosity and interest in science.

According to him, the journey towards producing future scientists, engineers, inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs begins in the classroom and with the teacher.

He said the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation was committed to cultivating a generation of young people who were curious, innovative and technologically minded, urging more students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics and biotechnology.

“If we are serious about making Abia a leading centre for innovation and technology, then we must first celebrate, empower, support, and encourage those teachers who are igniting the passion for science in our young people every day,” Kalu said.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abia State, Mrs Ekeoma Chigozie Akidi, said TEASEAD 2026 “was established to recognise teachers who demonstrated exceptional commitment to classroom delivery, student mentorship and school leadership throughout the academic session.”

Speaking on the Science Teachers’ Championship, the Chief Executive Officer of Assppaa-Isbors Platform Limited, Patrick Ejike Ochuba, said the programme was established to identify, recognise, celebrate and reward outstanding science teachers and students.

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