By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, has commended Mr. Hope Ifetike, a teacher at Government Technical College, Onitsha, for his efforts to tackle the problem of out of school children and promote digital and vocational skills.
Ogugua gave the commendation on Sept. 29 when Ifetike, the 2026 Best Teacher in the South-East and Overall Best ICT Teacher in Africa, visited him at the Ministry’s headquarters in Awka.
Ifetike expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting teachers’ welfare and recognising excellence in the profession.
He recalled receiving N1 million after emerging among the winners of the 2022 Presidential Teachers Awards for Excellence, as well as a N5 million reward from the governor in 2025.
According to him, the recognition and financial support had strengthened his resolve to promote technology, vocational skills and education among young people, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.
Ifetike said his interest in technology and concern for vulnerable children led to the establishment of membership clubs and the Ifetike Foundation, through which young people receive skills training and support.
He said beneficiaries of the initiatives had acquired various skills and pursued opportunities in different fields, with some gaining admission to universities abroad.
The teacher said the interventions were also aimed at reducing the number of out of school children and discouraging early and unintended pregnancies among young girls through education, skills acquisition and empowerment.
Responding, Ogugua commended Ifetike for investing in human development and expressed hope that his expertise would further support the Ministry’s efforts to advance the governor’s digital transformation vision in schools.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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