EXCELLENCE REWARDED: GOVERNOR CHARLES SOLUDO HONOURS VALEDICTORIAN WITH ₦4 MILLION CASH PRIZE

Meet Umeh Augustus Somtochukwu, a First-Class graduate of the Department of Economics (2025/2026 session), who not only distinguished himself as the best in his department but also emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the University, graduating with an exceptional CGPA of 4.85.

His remarkable academic feat drew admiration from the Governor of Anambra State and Visitor to the University, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who reflected on his own student years, noting the striking parallel of also graduating with First-Class honours as the best student in the same Department of Economics.

In recognition of this outstanding achievement, the Governor rewarded Mr. Umeh Somtochukwu with a ₦4 million cash prize, a guaranteed employment opportunity, and a fully funded scholarship to any public university of his choice, covering his academic journey from Master’s degree to Ph.D level.

Beyond this, Mr. Umeh received several additional monetary awards, amassing a total of approximately ₦7 million during the Convocation Ceremony held on 26th April, 2026 at the ETF Auditorium.

His success story stands as a powerful validation of the transformative 3Vs agenda; Values, Viability, and Visibility championed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha. This was evident in his valedictory address, where he recounted how, despite many students shying away from Economics in his first year, he consciously chose to build value around himself and his discipline. His journey underscores the belief that excellence is intentional, that one can attain visibility through dedication, and in doing so, secure both present relevance and future viability.

Congratulations to Mr. Umeh Augustus Somtochukwu

And appreciation to the Visitor of the University, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo

©️ COOUNews, 2026.