Dr. Eric Umeofia, the Chief Executive Officer of Erisco Foods Limited, has announced a cash gift of N2.5 million to Kamsiyochukwu Umeh.
She is the highest-scoring candidate in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Kamsiyochukwu, a brilliant student from Deeper Life High School in Mowe, Ogun State, attained an exceptional score of 360 in the UTME.
Her remarkable performance included scoring 99 in Chemistry, 98 in Mathematics, 97 in Physics, and 66 in English.
In an interviewer with the PUNCH on July 1, 2023, Umdofia felt compelled to honor and support Umeh’s academic pursuits.
Umeofia stated, “I am also doing this not because I have a lot, but because my father taught me that giving is the answer to long life and happiness.
“As this young girl has done well, we want other young ladies to do the same and reduce this country’s problems. The youths are our only hope in this country.”
Umeofia’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond the monetary gift to Umeh.
Recognizing the importance of quality education, he also announced cash rewards for the school administrator, Pastor Eze Emmanuel, as well as the four subject teachers in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and English, who will each receive N100,000.
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Additionally, two other outstanding students from the school will be rewarded: Andrew Imoukhuede, who scored 355, will receive N100,000, and the third-place student will be presented with N50,000.
With a foundation dedicated to supporting over 100 students on scholarships, Umeofia has already contributed over N500 million in grants to individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations.
Reflecting on his mission to bolster the economy, he emphasized the significance of supporting talented individuals and fostering an environment where they can thrive.
Expressing his delight, Umeofia remarked, “I am happy that out of the 1.6 million students who sat for the examination, she came first.
“My heart is gladdened. I am particularly happy because she hails from Amish town, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“Amish town was where the civil war ended, where former president, Olusegun Obasanjo took the surrender of Biafra; that means we are a peace-loving town.
“People like me and this girl are projecting our village in good light. If we, as parents, have suffered to send our kids to school, they have to do something to make us happy.”
Umeofia’s support does not stop at the monetary reward.
With Umeh aspiring to study chemical engineering, he pledged to stand by her side, offering continuous assistance as long as she maintains her exceptional academic performance.
Umeofia also called on other philanthropists to follow suit, encouraging them to empower and uplift talented individuals in various fields.
