Governor Soludo Awards N500,000 to NECO’s Best Student

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has rewarded Miss Ifebude Benson, the overall best candidate in the 2023 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO), with a cash prize of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000).

The award, aimed at promoting academic excellence in the state, was presented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, on behalf of the governor in Awka on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Ifebude, who could not attend the event in person, was represented by her father, Mr. Ben Benson.

Her father, Mr. Benson, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Soludo for recognizing and rewarding his daughter’s efforts. He emphasized that the financial award would serve as motivation for his daughter to excel further in her studies and contribute meaningfully to society.

“This gesture has shown that Governor Soludo values education and is committed to encouraging young scholars to achieve their full potential. We are grateful for this support, and my daughter is even more determined to make the state proud,” he said.

According to Chuma-Udeh, the state government has made significant investments in the education sector to ensure that students in Anambra can compete favorably with their peers globally. She noted that Governor Soludo is committed to creating a learning environment that matches international standards and fostering a culture of excellence among young scholars.

Ifebude Benson: NECO 2023’s Top Performer

Ifebude Benson is a brilliant young scholar from Ndikelionwu in Orumba North Local Government Area, who has etched her name in history as the overall best candidate in the 2023 NECO Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. She achieved an outstanding feat by scoring A1 in all nine subjects she sat for, a remarkable academic accomplishment that earned her nationwide recognition.

Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as she has now taken the next step in her academic journey. Ifebude has secured admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Abuja, where she continues to pursue excellence in her chosen field.

Since achieving this milestone, she has received several recognitions and rewards. On November 16, 2023, the National Examinations Council (NECO) invited her to its headquarters in Minna, Niger State, where she was honored with an Award of Excellence. Fadaella Foods Limited also presented her with a brand-new HP laptop in appreciation of her outstanding performance.

Her success story stands as an inspiration to students across Anambra and beyond, proving that determination and perseverance can unlock incredible opportunities. As she embarks on this new phase of her education, Ifebude remains a shining example of what can be achieved through focus, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her success is truly inspiring, and we are confident that it will motivate other Anambra students to take their studies more seriously.