Gonzaga Jesuit College (GJC), Okija, Anambra State, achieved international recognition after securing 25 awards at the 2026 International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Olympiad Grand Finale held in Rome, Italy.

At the global competition conducted on July 8, the Nigerian institution earned 10 gold medals, three silver medals, nine bronze medals and three honorable mentions, outperforming participants from several countries across Science, Mathematics, and Engineering and Technology disciplines.

The school’s outstanding performance received an additional boost as two of its students, Okeke Somtochukwu and Nwafor Emmanuel Chinedu, were named Overall Second Best in the World, placing Gonzaga Jesuit College among the world’s leading schools in STEM education.

According to the college, the achievement reflects its sustained commitment to excellence in STEM education, with students demonstrating exceptional knowledge, creativity, innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills throughout the competition.

“The recognition of Okeke Somtochukwu and Nwafor Emmanuel Chinedu as Overall Second Best in the World further underscores the world-class standard of education, mentorship and talent development at Gonzaga Jesuit College.”

The college management also praised the efforts of the students, teachers, coaches and parents, describing the achievement as a historic milestone that has brought honour to the institution, Anambra State, Nigeria and the African continent.

“The College remains committed to nurturing future scientists, engineers, innovators and leaders who will continue to excel on the global stage,” it added.

Gold Medal Winners

In the Science category, Chukwuma Amede won gold in the Grades 6–8 division.

In the Grades 9–11 Science category, Okeke Somtochukwu, Amadi Chidubem and Nwafor Emmanuel Chinedu each secured gold medals, while Okeke Somtochukwu and Nwafor Emmanuel Chinedu also received the distinction of Overall Second Best in the World.

In the Engineering and Technology (DIY Bridge Building Challenge), Gold Team 2—comprising Udechukwu Adimchukwunobi, Igue Ewere and Onyemem Sochukwukamso Francis—won a gold medal. Gold Team 3, made up of Aliga Ebubechukwu Wendo, Amazing Chidubem and Nwafor Emmanuel, also claimed a gold medal.

Silver and Bronze Medalists

The school’s silver medalists included Aliga Ebubechukwu Wendo and Onwumere Ifunanyachukwu Epiphania in Science, while Aliga Ebubechukwu Wendo also earned a silver medal in Mathematics.

Bronze medals in Mathematics were awarded to Igue Ewere Godswill, Onwumere Ifunanyachukwu, Ubozor Chiamaka Natalie, Ebreneyin Ayirioritse Anne and Udechukwu Adimchukwunobi Albert.

In the Science category, bronze medals went to Udechukwu Adimchukwunobi Albert, Anyika Chinemelum Michael and Igue Ewere Godswill. The school also secured one bronze medal in the Engineering and Technology category.

Honorable Mentions

The college’s three honorable mentions were awarded to Umebido Chukwuebuka Jeffery in Mathematics, Onyemem Sochukwukamso Francis in Science, and Ebreneyin Ayirioritse Anne in Science.

The school’s total haul of 25 awards represents one of the strongest performances by a Nigerian secondary school at the International STEM Olympiad, further strengthening Gonzaga Jesuit College’s reputation as a centre for academic excellence and innovation.

Source: This Day