Public School Pupil Breaks Eight Year Barrier, Wins Six Year Scholarship
By Uzo Ugwunze
A pupil of Umuota Primary School, Obosi, Miss Isioma Okolie, has made history by becoming the first public school pupil to emerge first runner up at the Late Marshall Ochokwu Foundation All Idemili North and South Quiz Competition in its eight year history.
Her remarkable performance against 197 other contestants earned her the ₦100,000 second prize and an unexpected six year scholarship covering her entire secondary school education. The scholarship was donated by Engr. and Mrs. Tonna Anyaeji, Chairman of the Obosi Development Union Benin Branch, and was announced as a surprise reward.
The grand finale of the 8th edition of the competition was held on July 31, 2026, at Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School (CIDS), Obosi, with outstanding pupils from primary schools across Idemili North and South Local Government Areas competing for top honours.
Speaking at the event, the Proprietor of CIDS and Director of the Late Marshall Ochokwu Foundation, Engr. Solomy Ochokwu, described Isioma’s achievement as a major milestone.
He said no public primary school pupil had ever progressed beyond the first round since the competition began eight years ago, adding that her success has broken a long standing barrier and inspired hope for public school pupils across the area.
According to him, 198 pupils from 28 primary schools participated in the preliminary round held on June 26, while 41 pupils from 12 schools qualified for the grand finale.
At the end of the competition, Master Chukwuemeka David of Maria Ines School, Obosi, emerged overall winner and received the ₦150,000 first prize sponsored by CIDS. Miss Isioma Okolie claimed the ₦100,000 second prize and the surprise scholarship, while Miss Delight Agubuesi of Maria Ines School won the ₦50,000 third prize sponsored by Ambassador Chuma Nwike. Master Luke Chijindu of CIDS secured the fourth prize of ₦30,000, while Miss Mercy Idris of CIDS received the fifth prize of ₦20,000.
To encourage academic excellence, the foundation also rewarded the first 30 finalists with school bags valued at ₦600,000 donated by Engr. Eric Anyamene, as well as mathematical sets and exercise books worth over ₦200,000.
Engr. Ochokwu explained that the competition was established in memory of his late father, Marshal Ochokwu, beginning with seven primary schools in Obosi before expanding to Idemili North in 2021 and later to both Idemili North and South in 2023 due to growing interest.
He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to promoting academic excellence among young learners through healthy competition in Mathematics, English and Basic Science, noting that participating teachers prepare the examination questions transparently to ensure credibility.
For Miss Isioma Okolie, the competition became more than a contest of knowledge. It marked the beginning of a brighter educational future and demonstrated that determination and excellence can break long standing barriers.
