Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday honoured 13-year-old international STEM Olympiad champion, Chimdiebube Onwubiko, rewarding the young scholar, his Mathematics teacher and Evergreen Schools with cash prizes for bringing global recognition to the state.
Onwubiko, a Junior Secondary School Three (JSS 3) student of Evergreen College, Enugu, won a gold medal in Mathematics and a silver medal in Science in the Grades 9–11 category at the International STEM Olympiad held in Rome, Italy, where contestants from 54 countries competed.
Receiving the student and his delegation at the Lion Building, Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah described the feat as a proud moment for the state, applauding the student’s brilliance, discipline and determination, as well as the commitment of his teachers and school to academic excellence.
“We are so proud of you and your teachers,” the governor said, urging the young champion to remain focused and continue striving for greater achievements.
Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming education through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, stressing that the Smart Green Schools initiative was designed to give every child in Enugu, regardless of location, access to world-class education capable of unlocking their full potential.
During an engaging conversation with the student, the governor jokingly described Onwubiko as “a magician” in Mathematics and asked him to share the secret behind his outstanding academic performance and future ambitions.
Responding, the young scholar said his passion for academic competitions, willingness to make sacrifices and the healthy competition among his classmates had continued to inspire him to excel.
Reflecting on his international success, Onwubiko attributed the achievement to years of discipline, hard work and consistent preparation, noting that while teachers provide guidance, students must also remain committed to excellence.
Speaking on behalf of Evergreen Schools, the institution’s Chief Executive Officer, Barrister Doris Chinedu-Okoro, described the international triumph as a reflection of the school’s culture of academic excellence and rigorous preparation.
She expressed confidence that the school would continue to produce students capable of competing successfully on the global stage.
Also speaking, Onwubiko’s Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu, said the victory was the result of years of deliberate preparation and resilience, recalling the student’s confidence in competing against older contestants from around the world.
In recognition of the outstanding achievement, Governor Mbah announced cash rewards of ₦2 million for Chimdiebube Onwubiko, ₦2 million for his Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu, and ₦1 million for Evergreen Schools.
The medal-winning student was accompanied to the Government House by the Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Schools, Barrister Doris Chinedu-Okoro; his Mathematics teacher, Chisom Unachukwu; and the school’s Vice Principal (Special Programmes), Chimbuchi Chinedu-Okoro.
