Education - Professionalism, Academic Excellence Rewarded

Students and staff of Adventist College, Odza received prizes and medals yesterday June 28.

The Governor of the Centre Region, Roger Moise Eyene Nlom yesterday June 28 awarded prizes and medals to students and staff of the Adventist College, Odza (CSAO) in Yaounde. From an enrolment of 2,300 students and 150 teachers and administrative staff, 80 students received excellence awards while 16 teachers were decorated with 26 labour medals.

Governor Moise Eyene Nlom while handing over the prizes, challenged beneficiaries to be the best citizens wherever they go. To the Principal, Gustave Patrice Ekitike, who received two medals, it was the first time a ceremony of such magnitude was taking place since the creation of the school in 2000.

He said CSAO embarked on the recruitment of quality teachers to impart knowledge to students and guide them spiritually. While thanking the government for its support, Gustave Patrice appealed for assistance for the construction of a church and science and language laboratories, amongst others.

The school that was founded by the Union of 7th Day Adventist of Central Africa, gave out 26 medals to 16 teachers, including those who have taught for 10, 15 and 25 years. "I was afraid that I will go on retirement without a medal. Hard work and patience is the secret," said Jean Claude Nana, who has taught for 29 years.

Ampebe Mpouzam, the overall best student with an average of 17.27, said it takes punctuality, prayerfulness and hard work to be at the top. The ceremony that cost FCFA 3.5 million to organise with contributions from partners, also saw the prize for the best parent going to Colonel Djonga Youssoufa. The officer urged students and staff to keep the candle of the institution burning