In a year where the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations recorded mass failure, 16-year-old gem, Stephen Unimawho Apebende has emerged as a beacon of hope and academic excellence in Cross River State. Apebende, a native of Obudu local government area of the state has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a natural aptitude for academic success.
From his early days at Calabar Preparatory International Nursery/Primary School, where he earned a first-term scholarship and graduated as the best student in his class, to his impressive performance in the Federal Common Examinations, Apebende has consistently pushed the boundaries of academic achievement.
His remarkable score of 177 in the Federal Common Examinations earned him an invitation from Shell Nigeria Petroleum Company for a screening test, which he aced, securing a scholarship to pursue his secondary education at TopFaith International School, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State.
Apebende’s academic prowess did not go unnoticed, as he also excelled in the National Mathematics Centre Competition sponsored by Nigerian Tulip International College. He emerged as the state champion and went on to represent Cross River State at the national level, where he secured sixth position and earned a full scholarship to study at Tulip International School, Abuja.
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Fast forward to the recently concluded JAMB examinations, where Stephen Unimawho Apebende scored an impressive 356 out of 400, making him the only Cross Riverian to achieve such a feat in the last two decades. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his hard work and passion for academic excellence and deserves recognition from the “People’s First” administration of Governor Bassey Otu.
In an era where the slang, “school is a scam” is gaining momentum among young people, the state should honour the academic journey of this teenager to serve as an inspiration to his peers and a reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. Besides, like it’s done in most states, his impressive academic record and achievements especially in the JAMB results should make him an ideal candidate for scholarships to pursue his university education.
Because I know the People’s Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu cares, I appeal to him, his government and well-meaning individuals to recognise Apebende’s exceptional academic achievements and provide him with the necessary support to further his education. He has proven himself to be a worthy ambassador for Cross River State, and we have no doubt that he will continue to make the state proud in his future endeavours.
I celebrate his achievements and look forward to seeing him excel in his future endeavours.
