Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has awarded a cash gift of N2 million to 13-year-old Chimdiebube Onwubiko, a JSS 3 student at Evergreen College, Enugu, who won a gold medal at the International STEM Olympiad held in Rome, Italy. The governor also announced N2 million for the student's Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu, and N1 million for Evergreen Schools, during a reception at the Government House in Enugu on Monday.
Gold Medal Victory in Rome
Onwubiko competed in the Grades 9–11 category against participants from 54 countries, securing gold in Mathematics and silver in Science. His performance was celebrated as a source of pride for Enugu State, with Governor Mbah describing him as "a magician" in Mathematics.
During the event, Onwubiko attributed his success to a love for competition, personal sacrifices, and the influence of high-achieving classmates. He emphasized that while teachers play a vital role, students must remain personally committed to excellence through years of hard work and consistent preparation.
Teacher and School Recognition
Onwubiko's Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu, recalled the courage his student showed in competing against older participants in Rome. He described the gold medal as the result of deliberate preparation built over many years.
Barrister Doris Chinedu-Okoro, Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Schools, said the result reflected the school's culture of academic rigour and expressed confidence that its students would continue to perform at the highest level globally.
Governor's Remarks and Education Plans
Governor Mbah praised the young scholar as a source of pride for Enugu State, encouraging him to keep pushing for greater accomplishments. He also spoke about his administration's Smart Green Schools initiative, designed to ensure every child in Enugu State has access to quality education that can help unlock their full potential.
Present at the reception were the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Delivery, Ozirumba Afigbo; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Dan Nwomeh; and several media officials including the General Manager of Afia TV, Nnamdi Obanya.
Broader Context of Nigerian STEM Success
Onwubiko was among three Nigerian students who excelled at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome. Onyedikachi Egejurum and Don Anele Munachimso also won gold medals in various categories. Education advocate and CEO of Educare, Alex Onyia, who sponsored the students to Rome, announced the achievements on X on July 7.
