The Imo State Government has lauded the 2023 STAR Awards, a flagship initiative by an Alumni, the class of 81, Government Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State for its intervention in bridging innovation and skills gap among students.
Professor Johncliff Chike Nwadike, Commissioner of Education made the applause at the just-ended 2023 STAR Awards which was held recently at the Government Secondary School Owerri premises.
The Commissioner was represented by Mrs Augustine Azubuike, lauded the class of 81, Government Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State for organising the 2023 STAR Awards.
Nwadike, while applauding the alumni said, “Your passion for fostering shared prosperity in your alma mater is exemplary and commendable.’
She applauded the class of 81 for sustaining its commitment to hold the STAR Awards, annually over a stretch of three years.”
He noted that the annual STAR Awards has successfully promoted a conducive environment for learning and skills development through collaborative curriculum development with the government and other stakeholders.
“We have received loads of positive feedback from parents and teachers alike at the Ministry about the impact of your intervention, we hope you will continue to sustain the legacy you hope to bequeath.”
While announcing the project’s successes, Emeka Mba, Chairman of the STAR project committee, provided vital information about the career mentorship boot camp.
In his words, “The initiative aims to empower students with fundamental leadership values and digital skills, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of innovative disruptors in technological advancement. It also strives to inspire students to adopt an entrepreneurial, agile, and growth-oriented mindset.”
“Since the inception of the campaign, over 780 participants have benefited from the programme’s high-level advocacy on human capital development; 58 students benefitted from the reward and recognition award through book cash awards, 150 Students benefited from the career-transforming coaching and mentorship.”
Mba commended MTN Foundation, First City Monumental Bank, and other partners for their support and collaboration in empowering children, while also calling for increased collaboration from more public-spirited individuals and organisations to scale the initiative’s impact.
In an opening remark, the 81 Alumni class captain Iyke Ezeji also thanked the corporate bodies and the alumni for their commitment towards the realisation of the project. He admonished the graduating students and those in school to cultivate the can-do spirit mindset. He said, “If you set the SMART goals combined with hard work, you will find in the palm of your hand, enormous possibilities to tap into.”
The flagship initiative which was launched in 2021 by the class of 81 to bridge the skills gap among students of the institution through secondary and tertiary levels of education, seeks to equip students with industry-relevant skills to enhance their global competitiveness.
Another highlight of the Programme was the interactive panel of discussion, at which the mentees of the programme shared their experiences of what they have gained during the career mentorship booth camp.
One of them, Aka Ikedichi, beaming with joy and satisfaction, said, “Through the programme’s digital skill training on web design, I see an opportunity for livelihood support, as I could develop some apps for companies for a fee.”
Another panelist, Austin Wilson Best said: ‘We have come to realise that we are all leaders without a title. We learnt about setting SMART goals, active listening skills and values in leadership to shape human conduct,” the visibly excited Best added.
