OCI Foundation to Reward Top Pathology Students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical School

In a bid to encourage academic excellence in medical education, the OCI Foundation has announced an annual award program to honor the top three performers in pathology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Medical School, Nnewi Campus. The award, named the "OCI Foundation Award for Excellence in Pathology," will offer cash rewards to students excelling in the 3rd MBBS medical examination.

During a meeting with the College of Health Sciences (CHS) leadership at NAU, led by Provost Prof. Gerald Udeigwe, the foundation disclosed that the award will be part of the university’s swearing-in and graduation ceremonies, commencing with the 2024 batch of graduating doctors expected in October or November.

According to the OCI Foundation’s letter to the Vice-Chancellor of NAU, the aim of this award is to inspire overall academic performance with a focus on pathology. The Foundation's founder, Dr. Chris Ifediora, an alumnus of the university and the first student to achieve a distinction in pathology during the 3rd MBBS exams, is behind the initiative.

The prizes for the top three students include ₦150,000 for the best, ₦100,000 for the second best, and ₦70,000 for the third, with a total of ₦320,000 to be awarded annually. The Foundation also reaffirmed its ongoing support for NAU students through scholarships and free hostel accommodation, already benefiting students across both the Nnewi and Awka campuses.

The OCI Foundation team, led by Mrs. Jide Udeaja and Mr. Onyibor Machie, was accompanied by three Cjyfed Scholars: Miss Chidinma Chiara Amua, Miss Onyinye Vivian Ezeike, and Praise Adaugo Kelvin. The foundation looks forward to continued collaboration with NAU to further elevate its status as a leader in medical education in Nigeria and Africa.