Umeh was presented with a cheque of N2.5 million on the company’s premises at Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.
The 16-year-old student of Deeper Life High School, Mowe, Ogun State, emerged the best UTME candidate with a score of 360.
She scored 99 in Chemistry, 98 in Mathematics, 97 Physics and 66 in English.
Also rewarded by the businessman were the school’s administrator, Emmanuel Eze (N200,000); the four subject teachers, Onibokun Patricia (English), Joseph Christopher (Maths), Agbool Olawale (Chemistry), Anicho Francisca (Physics) N100,000 each; and two other top students in the exam, Imoukhuede Andrew and Alagwu Maduabuchukwu, N100,000 each.
Umeofia said he was delighted with the performance of the students and believed they should be encouraged.
He also commended the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, for establishing the school, saying his impact was being felt.
He said, “These type of children make me happy. In this country of today, these are the type of children that will take over from us and that is why we are identifying with humanity. By the grace of God, if they keep me informed of their development, we will continue to support.
“I pray to God that they keep to this and their success does not get into their heads. You must not deviate from the good teachings of your parents, school and elders. Don’t allow the negative influence of today affect you. If you do, that means you want to become a nobody. I have seen brilliant students, even first class graduates, but because their successes got to their heads, they missed track, and they are in the village today with their first class brain.
“We need this country to change and do well. All these foreigners coming here don’t have two heads. If people like you come up and do the right thing, to change this country is easy. I pray more of you will come up in different parts of Nigeria.”
The school administrator appreciated Umeofia for the gesture, saying Deeper Life High School had a track record of excellence.
Eze promised that school would continue to churn out exemplary students.
The best UTME candidate, Umeh, expressed delight at the honour and pledged to continue to do her best.
Also present at the occasion were the parents of the students and some staff members of the school.
