St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, has been named Best Private School of the Year at the fifth Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards.
The recognition highlights the school’s achievements in academic excellence, innovation and leadership development. It also follows a series of national and international successes by its students.
For students and parents, the award reflects the growing range of opportunities available at the school. These include debating, technology, public speaking and leadership competitions.
St. John Vianney Science College Earns Top School Award
The award was presented during the AMTY Awards ceremony on Saturday, July 18, at the Stanel Dome in Awka. The organisers recognised the school for its contribution to education and its record of student achievement.
In recent years, St. John Vianney Science College has gained recognition both within Nigeria and internationally. In 2025, the school won the National Head Girls Competition in Lagos. Its Head Girl was also named Head Girl of the Year for outstanding innovation.
Additionally, the school emerged among the winners of the Nationwide Inter-Senior Secondary Schools E-Debate Championship in Abuja.
Students Build Strong Record In Debating
The school has also developed a strong profile in debating. It represented Nigeria at the inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Championship. The school defeated leading schools from Nigeria and the United Kingdom to become overall champions.
Furthermore, two students have been selected to represent Nigeria at this year’s World Schools Debating Championships in Kenya. These opportunities give students experience in research, public speaking, critical thinking and persuasive communication.
For educators, debating can also provide a practical way to strengthen communication skills beyond the classroom.
School Expands Its Focus On Technology
St. John Vianney Science College has also achieved recognition in technology. The school won the inaugural National Girls in ICT Competition. The achievement further strengthened its reputation for academic and leadership development.
The result highlights the importance of giving students opportunities to explore technology and develop practical digital skills.
Moreover, participation in national competitions can help students build confidence while exposing them to peers from other schools.
Award Recognises School Community
Receiving the award on behalf of the institution, School Manager Rev. Gerald Ogbulikpe credited the school community and its proprietor, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso). He said,
“This honour belongs to everyone who has contributed to building this great institution. Our proprietor, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, laid a bold vision of raising young people who will excel academically, lead with integrity, and compete confidently anywhere in the world. Every teacher, every member of staff, every parent, and every student has contributed to making that vision a reality.”
Ogbulikpe said the school would continue investing in academic excellence, leadership development, innovation, technology, public speaking, entrepreneurship and character formation. He added,
“We receive this award with gratitude, and we see it as a call to aim even higher.”
What The Recognition Means For Students
The school’s recent achievements show a broad approach to student development.
Academic performance remains central, while students also have opportunities to compete in debating, technology and leadership.
As a result, learners can develop skills that complement their classroom education. These include teamwork, communication, creativity, research and confidence.
For parents, the school’s competition record also provides an indication of how students are being encouraged to participate beyond conventional academic activities.
AMTY Awards Celebrate Anambra Achievements
The fifth edition of the AMTY Awards recognised individuals and institutions whose achievements continue to project Anambra State positively.
The awards covered areas including public service, business, education, entertainment and philanthropy.
Other recipients included Archbishop Valerian Okeke, who received the Person of the Decade Award. Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Amaka Onwughalu, was honoured as Woman of the Year.
Actor Ken Erics Ugo also received the Artiste of the Year Award.
For St. John Vianney Science College, the recognition adds to a growing record of student and institutional achievements.
