Great Minds Model Academy Celebrates 10th Anniversary and 2025 Graduation in Grand Style
Great Minds Model Academy Celebrates 10th Anniversary and 2025 Graduation in Grand Style
It was a day of pomp and pageantry as Great Minds Model Academy, located at No. 34 Ekenna Avenue, Aba, celebrated its 10th Anniversary and 2025 Graduation/Valedictory Ceremony with great fanfare on Friday, August 1, 2025.
The event, themed “10th Anniversary of Excellent Achievement,” was held on the school premises amidst an atmosphere of joy, camaraderie, and reflection.
A large crowd of distinguished guests, including parents, guardians, family members, friends, and well-wishers, gathered to witness the epoch-making celebration.
The celebration began with a lively procession of the graduating students and pupils.
This was followed by the grand entrance of the Proprietress of Great Minds Model Academy and City of Wisdom International School (COWIS), Mrs. Edith Nkechi Okonkwo, popularly known as ‘Big Mummy’ who was warmly ushered in by the management and staff amid jubilation.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Okonkwo expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for sustaining the school over the past decade.
She acknowledged the unwavering support of her husband and praised the school’s staff for their dedication and commitment to nurturing children in line with the school’s motto, “God’s Vision.”
The audience was captivated by a delightful welcome address from KG graduate Attracta Deborah E. Nwabuikwu Chiori, who spoke eloquently and confidently.
She thanked all attendees and commended the Proprietress for her outstanding achievements over the last ten years.
Representing the graduating class, Miss Osita Juliet Chisom, the outgoing Senior Prefect, delivered an emotional valedictory address.
She reflected on her journey at the school, describing it as transformative and deeply impactful.
She expressed gratitude to the Proprietress, teachers, and parents for their roles in shaping the students’ academic and moral development, pledging to remain a proud ambassador of the school.
In a powerful and inspiring speech titled “A Decade of Excellence: The Journey, The Impact, The Future,” the Managing Director of Great Minds Model Academy and COWIS, Barr. Peace Pamela Okonkwo, recounted the school’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of excellence.
“Ten years ago, Great Minds Model Academy was founded with a dream to raise a generation of learners who would think critically, lead confidently, and serve compassionately,” she said.
Barr. Okonkwo emphasized that the school’s legacy was not only in academic achievements but also in moral integrity and community building.
She described the first graduating class as a testament to the dedication of the teachers and parents and lauded the students for their outstanding performance and character.
She also acknowledged the sacrifices of the staff, whom she described as “the heartbeats and architects behind the school’s success story,” and reiterated the school’s commitment to continuous innovation and excellence.
The celebration featured a series of exciting presentations and performances that showcased the talents and diversity of the students.
Highlights included: Parade by the school band, Renditions by the school choir, Ballet dance and acrobatic displays (even in the rain!), Cultural dances representing Nigeria’s ethnic groups, Recitations, drama sketches, and nursery presentations, “Little Angels” display with symbolic fruits like life, protection, and health, History of the school narrated by Chimezie Emmanuella, Presentations by Grades I, 11 and III, Crowning of the new King and Queen of the School among others.
The energy and creativity of the students drew repeated applause from the audience.
The day also featured: The cutting of the 10th Anniversary cake, Unveiling of the maiden edition of the school magazine and calendar, Lighting of the Anniversary Candle, Presentation of certificates, prizes, and awards to graduating students and outstanding teachers for excellence in academics, punctuality, neatness, and character.
The celebration climaxed with a lavish reception. Guests, parents, staff, and students were treated to a variety of sumptuous meals and drinks.
The mood was festive and everyone departed with joy and admiration for the school’s achievements.
The 10th Anniversary and 2025 Graduation Ceremony of Great Minds Model Academy was not just a celebration of academic success—it was a celebration of vision, resilience, and transformation.
As the school enters its next decade, it stands tall, ready to continue shaping young minds and building future leaders.
In a chat with journalists at the end of the event, Mrs. Edith Nkechi Okonkwo reflected on the school’s journey from inception to its current stature.
She expressed fulfillment and optimism for the future, reiterating her belief in the power of vision, dedication, and collective effort. Excerpts.
Can you tell us briefly about yourself?I am Mrs. Edith Nkechi Okonkwo, the Founder and Proprietress of Great Minds Model Academy. I hail from Otolo Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State. By God’s grace, I have been able to establish a school that provides sound moral upbringing, strong spiritual standards, and high academic excellence.
How did the idea of starting the school come about? It was a vision from God. I have always had the urge to make a positive impact on children’s lives spiritually, morally, and academically. So, I saw it as a way of working for God and influencing families through their children. Despite initial opposition from family members, I stood my ground, and God supported me throughout.
When did the school start? We began in 2015 with free lessons for over 200 children. Eventually, 48 children formally enrolled and that marked the beginning of the school. We were officially registered and approved on October 4, 2015, starting with classes from Pre-Nursery to Primary Four at No. 2 Ukonu Street, Aba. However, when the Abia State Ministry of Education inspectors visited the school, they pointed out the limited space for play and extracurricular activities. That led us to move to our present site at No. 34 Ekenna Avenue, Aba.
What were some of the challenges you faced in the early days of the school? At the beginning, some classes had only five or six pupils. But I was not discouraged. I knew I was fulfilling a divine mandate, and I trusted God to handle the rest. That’s why I call it God’s vision—not mine. And, indeed, He has shown Himself faithful. At one point, we could not pay staff salaries due to limited resources. But my husband stood by us and gave his full support, which helped us overcome this challenge. Indeed, his unwavering support has been a blessing. It was not an easy journey, but when I reflect on how far we have come, I am full of gratitude to God. The pupils who started with us in Pre-Nursery are now in secondary school. Our first and second sets have graduated, and now we have students preparing for WASSCE. Some parents, impressed by our impact, urged us to start a secondary school so their children would not have to go elsewhere. That was how the secondary arm was born.
What would you attribute your success to? It is purely God. It is not by my power or righteousness. God made it possible. I also thank my loving husband for his constant support—he has been our pillar. I deeply appreciate our staff too. They have remained loyal and hardworking, especially during tough times.
What is your relationship with your staff? My relationship with them is cordial and filled with mutual respect. I want my staff to be successful. My dream is to see them become landlords, drive their own cars, and live fulfilled lives. I believe that as the school grows, everyone involved should grow too. The same goes for our students. I want them to become great people—lawyers, doctors, engineers, accountants, governors, even presidents. My constant prayer is that they will all achieve greatness in life.
What sets the Great Minds Model Academy apart from other schools?We stand out because of our spiritual foundation. We teach our pupils to love and fear God. Our moral standards are high, and we build confidence in our students so they can face life boldly. We also offer practical vocational skills—barbing, tailoring, hairdressing, painting, plumbing, electrical work, baking, and cooking. These skills equip them to be self-reliant even while still in school. It is similar to what they do in China, and by God’s grace, we are expanding on that from next term. Additionally, we introduced Karate and Taekwondo last session to help with physical strength and self-defense, especially as they move to higher institutions.
What has been the most significant achievement of the school since its inception? Our acquisition of the City of Wisdom International School (COWIS) in 2022 is a major milestone. We renovated it in 2023, and it resumed operations in the 2024/2025 session after free preparatory lessons. This expansion is a testament to God’s blessings and a major part of what we are celebrating during our 10th anniversary.
What do you envision for the future of Great Minds? By God’s grace, I foresee establishing a university in the near future. We are committed to providing quality education and empowering our students to excel in life.
What message do you have for the management, staff, students, and pupils of the school? I encourage them to believe in themselves, never give up, and commit their dreams to God. With faith and determination, they can achieve great things. The Bible says in Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” So, whatever you want to do, approach it with a clean heart, a free mind, and complete trust in God. He will surely see you through.
Big Mummy, Congratulations once again on Great Minds Model Academy’s 10 impactful years of remarkable achievements.
Thank you.
