Two students of MaryGold International School have displayed academic excellence, by emerging as shining stars in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination (JAMB).
Ms. Josephine Okon Thomas, 17, scored an impressive 357 out of 400 points, securing the overall top position. While Anietienteabasi Akwaowo-Ekong, 16, followed closely with a remarkable score of 347 points.
These remarkable achievements have not only brought immense pride to the school but have also inspired the community and the education sector in Cross River State.
“I put God first, and then I outlined my goal and followed the syllabus meticulously,” said Josephine Okon Thomas, the top-scoring student. “It was not an easy journey, but with the support of my family, teachers, and the school, I was able to overcome the challenges and excel.”
Anietienteabasi Akwaowo-Ekong echoed similar sentiments, crediting her success to the dedication and discipline instilled by the school’s administration and faculty.
The Administrator of MaryGold International School, Barr. Mrs. Chiborouma I. Weli-Uchie, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements.
She said: “MaryGold International School is committed to providing our students with a holistic education that nurtures their academic, social, and emotional development,” said Weli-Uchie. “We are thrilled to see the fruits of our labor in the exceptional performance of Josephine and Anietienteabasi.”
“The school, which was established in 2015 as a sister institution to the MaryGold International School in Port Harcourt, River State, has been making a name for itself in the educational landscape of Cross River State.
“We are the best school in Cross River State,” Weli-Uchie boasted. “Our facilities, including fully equipped laboratories, a computer lab, an art studio, and a language lab, are designed to foster a conducive learning environment for our students.”
“The school’s commitment to excellence extends beyond academic pursuits, as it also encourages its students to excel in sports. While the school has not yet produced any state representatives, it has supported several students in pursuing their football aspirations, with some even securing opportunities at football academies.
“However, the school’s success is not without its challenges. Weli-Uchie enumerated the ongoing battle with the state government regarding taxation and the use of the school’s corporate name.
“We have been facing various challenges with the government, particularly regarding the taxes and the use of our corporate name on our billboards,” she said. “We have tried to dialogue with the authorities, but it has been a constant struggle.”
Despite these challenges, the school remains committed to its mission of providing quality education to its students. The school’s Proprietress expressed her desire to see the government extend more support to private schools, particularly in the form of scholarships for students and subsidies for examination fees.
The school’s Principal, Mr. Eliezer Ezeugah, stressed the essence of discipline and the collaborative effort between the school and the parents in shaping the students’ character.
“Discipline is an aggregate of efforts from both the school and the home,” Ezeugah said. “We have put measures in place to maintain order and discipline, but we also rely on the support of the parents to reinforce these values at home.”
“The school’s success has not gone unnoticed, and the management has invited the public to its upcoming convocation ceremony, scheduled for July 17, 2024, at the school’s compound, Marian Road, Calabar Municipal government, Cross River State”, he said.