The management of Coal City University, CCU, Enugu State, Nigeria, has awarded three (3) outstanding Senior Secondary School, SSS, Students, at the "Award Ceremony of the Second Edition of CCU Chancellor's Annual Essay Competition for Senior Secondary School Students".

The award ceremony which took place at the main auditorium of the great citadel of learning on Saturday, July 29, 2023, saw 20 students showcasing high level of intelligence on the theme "Drug Abuse in Nigeria"

The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, the Pro-Chancellor of the institution spoke extensively on the theme of the essay and charges young leaders of tomorrow to shun all acts of drug abuse.

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Host of the ceremony, Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, during his opening remarks, applauded the 20 students after being shortlisted from over 500 Senior Secondary Students who applied for the essay competition.

Also speaking at the event was the State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mrs. Chinyere Kalu. She spoke extensively on the theme of the essay and also made known actions taken by government at all levels to curb the menace of drug abuse in the country at large and also warn against drug abuse.

Similarly, the Executive Director, Bensther Development Foundation, Pharm. Nonso Maduka, as well as the Chief Executive Officer, Green Age Technology, Aaron Esumeh, were not left out of the discussion as they make crucial points concerning the theme of the essay competition known. Furthermore, after all the shortlisted SSS

Students have made their performances, it was time to unveil winners of the competition.

After thorough analysis and evaluations made on each of the participants, the chief panelist and Head of Department, CCU, Prof. Nnamdi Okenwa, announced the winners as follows;

1st Position: Obiora-Izuka Chinemerem, from Hillrange Secondary School, Enugu State.

2nd Position: Emeka-Madu Usonwanne, from Graceland College, Enugu State.

3rd Position: Iziogo Kenneth, from Nnodo Secondary School, Ebonyi State.

The winners were awarded with cash prize of N500,000, N250,000, N150,000 respectively. Similarly, certificates and consolation prizes was awarded to all the 20 participants.

The Chancellor of the institution, Sir Chinedu Ani, celebrated the 3 winners of the essay competition as well as the 17 other participants.

He urged them to remain focused in their academic pursuit and shun all forms of drug abuse as well as other social vices in the society .

Lastly, the event also featured dance performances from the CCU Dance Group.

Others present at the event includes: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sylvester Emeka Igwe, Registrar, Lady A.I Ude FCNA, Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Felicia Moh, Mr. Ugochukwu Uzochukwu, Mr. Prosper Onyido, DJ Tiko, the essay facilitators Miss Ijeoma Nwafor , Mr Onwuka Obuba among other members of staff.