The Bank reinforced its mission of continuous investment in the best people, technology, and environment by once again rewarding the Overall Best Student at the West Afrian Examination Council (WAEC) Distinction Awards, held in Accra with a cash prize of GH¢30,000.00 and a brand new laptop.
This year’s award is on the back of the Bank’s partnership with WAEC to sponsor the Overall Best WASSCE Candidate category for five years.
Prior to the signing of the partnership, the Bank sponsored the Overall Best WASSCE Candidate award for the years, 2020, 2021 and 2022 presenting each winner with a laptop and a cash prize of GH¢30,000.00.
Presenting the award on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, Divisional Head of the Bank, Mr. James Wiafe Akenten, reaffirmed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to championing excellence and supporting outstanding achievement.
He emphasized that by investing in outstanding students, Zenith Bank was not only recognizing academic achievement but also nurturing the next generation of leaders who would drive innovation, uphold strong values, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“At Zenith Bank, we view every investment in the education of brilliant young minds as a strategic contribution to Ghana’s sustainable growth and future prosperity which will serve as a motivation to others to strive for the best.”
He added that initiatives like the WAEC Distinction Awards aligned perfectly with the Bank’s mission of empowering individuals and supporting institutions that are shaping the future.
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu urged students to move with character and integrity, stressing, “You can pass examinations with honesty and you must preserve your integrity.”
He urged the students to walk with their shoulders high and with confidence.
“Be proud of the training you have gotten from your parents and your teachers. And as I said, dream big, but act with character and act with integrity,” he added.
Dr. (Mrs.) Rosemond Wilson, the Head of the National Office of WAEC, Ghana, advised students to refrain from engaging in any form of examination malpractices, emphasizing that the awards served as clear evidence that hard work and resilience lead to success, and that it was possible to excel without resorting to cheating.
“Technology should serve as a tool for success, growth and promoting teaching, but not compromise the credibility of our examinations,” she said.
Mrs. Wilson further charged the young awardees to go into the world as ambassadors of excellence, using their knowledge and integrity to inspire positive change wherever they find themselves.
Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, the Acting Director-General in charge of Management Service at Ghana Education Service, applauded WAEC for sustaining the tradition of awarding excellence and distinction, highlighting that the ceremony was not just an opportunity to honour high performing students but also a moment to reflect on the potential of Ghana’s educational system.
“WAEC’s commitment to reward fairness and excellence continues to serve as a cornestone for all forms of
assesment in Ghana’s educational system and I commend WAEC for sustaining this noble tradition of celebrating academic excellence,” she said.
The Bank, since commencement of operations in 2005, had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national development, with a strong focus on education as a key pillar of its CSR agenda.
In line with this commitment, in March this year, the Bank commissioned a state-of-the-art Banking Clinic at the Kumasi Technical University to provide students with practical exposure to real-world banking operations, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice.
Additionally, the Bank refurbished the Odumase M/A Basic School in the Ga West municipality of the Greater Accra Region, also in March this year, enhancing the learning environment for hundreds of pupils in the community.
These initiatives reflect Zenith Bank’s long-term vision to empower future generations through education, while contributing to the broader goal of building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for Ghana’s socio-economic advancement.
GNA
