A special needs student, Ms. Adaeze Tochukwu Tahila Okeke, has been awarded a scholarship to study at Nile University of Nigeria, bringing an emotional highlight to the 2026 graduation ceremony of Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA).
The scholarship was announced by the Managing Director of AFRIQUE Investments and Infrastructure Partners, Sir Okechi Uchechukwu, during the graduation ceremony held on Friday, in recognition of Adaeze’s inspiring journey and determination.
The announcement drew applause from guests, parents, teachers and graduands, with many visibly moved by Adaeze’s story.
The ceremony became even more emotional when Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who served as the Guest Speaker, dedicated the Beacon of Education Award presented to her by the school to Adaeze.
Receiving the award, Grace Ike disclosed that she had not expected the recognition and admitted she struggled to hold back tears after hearing Adaeze’s story.
“I wasn’t expecting this. I wasn’t told that I was going to be presented with an award. And for me, this will serve as an inspiration for me to do more.
“In fact, when I was called on, I had to wipe my tears because of the story of Adaeze. Her story made me tear up. It made me cry. And I’m dedicating this award to her,” she said.
The NUJ chairman pledged to use her position and influence to advocate for children, particularly those living with special needs.
“Going forward, I will focus my talent and my interest on supporting and helping children, especially. I will amplify their voices. I will tell their stories.
“In any little way I can, I will cover them and let society know how best they can come to their aid and support them.
“To the family of Adaeze, thank you for all you do. Adaeze, we appreciate you,” she added.
Earlier, Beautiful Beginning Academy honoured Grace Ike with its Beacon of Education Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to educational excellence and invaluable contributions to the advancement of learning and youth development.
Presenting the award, the school’s management described the NUJ Chairman as an inspiring leader whose contributions to education and youth development have continued to make a meaningful impact.
The award was presented during the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, Grace Ike urged the graduating students to understand that success in life depends more on character than academic achievement.
She reminded the graduands that while classroom examinations may have come to an end, life itself would continue to test their values.
“The examinations that truly matter are not set by teachers but by life itself. They test honesty, courage, discipline, resilience, compassion and integrity,” she said.
According to her, knowledge alone is insufficient without strong moral values.
“Knowledge may make you intelligent, but character will make you unforgettable. Long after people forget your grades, they will remember your integrity. Long after certificates gather dust, your reputation will continue to speak for you.”
Addressing the graduating class, the NUJ Chairman encouraged them to embrace resilience in the face of setbacks, stressing that failure is often part of the journey to success.
“There will be days when life will not go according to your plans. You may fail an examination, lose an opportunity, face disappointment or experience rejection. When those moments come, remember this: failure is not the opposite of success; it is often the road that leads to it.”
She further advised the graduands to remain curious, cultivate the habit of reading, respect others, choose their friends wisely and maintain confidence in themselves.
Grace Ike also paid tribute to parents for their sacrifices and commended teachers and the management of Beautiful Beginning Academy for shaping future leaders through quality education and mentorship.
She challenged the graduating students to become solution providers who would build bridges instead of walls and choose excellence, integrity, service and compassion throughout their lives.
“Success is not measured by how much money you make but by how many lives become better because you lived. Success may fill your pocket, but significance fills your purpose. Service earns respect. Character earns trust. Legacy earns remembrance,” she said.
The ceremony ended on an uplifting note, with Adaeze’s scholarship standing out as the defining moment of the event, a powerful demonstration of how inclusive education, compassion and corporate philanthropy can transform lives and open doors of opportunity for children with special needs.