The Central Regional Minister, Mr. Kweku Ricket Hagan has congratulated Master Kofi-Quakyi Oduro, a former student of the University Junior High School for winning the Central Regional best student for the President’s Independence Day Award for the 2015 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Mr. Hagan promised to make him an ambassador to inspire boys and girls in basic schools in the region to work towards achieving excellence in their education. He indicated that “Though we have good senior high schools in the country but our children cannot make the required grades to attend these schools so we shall make you an ambassador to serve as encouragement to your peers in the public schools.” He also promised to present a laptop to Master Oduro for his effort. The Regional Minister made these statements when a team led by the Cape Coast  Metro Director of Education, Madam Enyonam Afi Amafuga,  presented Master Oduro to him at the Regional Coordinating Council. He commended the headteacher and staff of the school for producing brilliant students and urged them to continue to make the Central Region proud. Master Oduro who is presently a student at the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Legon was part of 20 students who were recently honoured by the Vice-President of Ghana, His Excellency, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur for excelling in the 2015 BECE at the State House as part of the 59th Independence Day Celebrations. The selection of the 20 award winners was based on their performance in the BECE, participation in co-curricular activities, particularly their involvement in school club activities, sports, community service and leadership roles, exemplary conduct, good moral behaviour, and other special qualities of excellence. With regard to his prize, Master Oduro said he received an iPad, plaque, certificate, medal, scholarship package for SHS, cash and products from Nestle Ghana Limited. He said the UJHS was also presented a certificate. The Headteacher of UJHS, Mrs. Kate Frimpong who was part of the team, said 14 students from UJHS have won the award for different years. She seized the opportunity to appeal for assistance for the school to improve its infrastructure. She indicated that the UJHS was normally placed in the private school category and therefore left out in terms of government’s support. Earlier, a similar presentation was made to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro and the Registrar, Mr. John Kofi Nyan. They congratulated the school for always working towards achieving excellence and encouraged Master Oduro to aspire for greater laurels as he climbs the educational ladder.