Anambra-Born Medical Doctor, who is based in Canada, Dr Kene Ojukwu has honoured seven exceptional medical students with cash awards of one hundred thousand naira each, in recognition of their outstanding academic performance in key foundational and clinical courses during their medical training at the College of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka.
The donation was made through the Charles Kene Ojukwu Initiative (CKOI) Foundation recently at the induction of the newly graduated medical doctors of the institution .
According to the Foundation, the commendation prizes, tagged the “Dr. Charles Ojukwu Prizes” were awarded to the best-performing students in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Internal Medicine. Each student received N100,000 as a reward for excellence and dedication.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation during the presentation ceremony, Dr. Ojukwu, who was represented by the Foundation Manager, Mr. Sylvester Ojiugo, also announced a separate donation of five hundred thousand naira to the institution. The fund, he said, is meant to support the Management of the College of Medicine in its efforts to mould future leaders in the healthcare profession.
In his address at the occasion, the Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Charles Kenechukwu Ojukwu, described the Academic Excellence Prize as a deliberate initiative to spotlight “unsung heroes” among graduating medical students, whose discipline, hard work and mastery of core medical sciences have distinguished them throughout their studies.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that the prize represents more than a financial reward, but an investment in the future of young doctors, a symbolic push to inspire them to aim higher and expand the possibilities ahead of them. He expressed appreciation to the Provost of the College, Prof. Law Ikeakor, for supporting the selection process that identified the best among the graduating class.
Lending a word of guidance to the honourees, he urged them to cultivate moments of self-reflection, define their long-term purpose, and build a clear vision of the kind of physicians they aspire to become. He encouraged them to seek wisdom, devise practical strategies for personal growth, and embrace resilience in the face of challenges.
He reminded them that setbacks are inevitable but temporary, and should be approached as stepping stones rather than limitations. Above all, Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the importance of integrity, professionalism, and adherence to ethical standards, noting that these values will position them as both successful practitioners and role models.
The Foundation founder congratulated the award recipients, expressing confidence that they will remain shining examples of excellence, and further affirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting education, empowering youth, and strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
This reporter gathered that the ceremony ended with appreciation from the school authorities, who commended the CKOI Foundation for its continued investment in medical education and its vision of nurturing future medical leaders.
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