Beautiful Beginning Academy, Abuja, on Thursday emerged winner of the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council Secondary School Media Literacy Quiz Competition, defeating Cedar Hall Academy, Lugbe, in a tense tie-breaker.
The competition, organised to promote media literacy and revive press clubs in secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, saw Beautiful Beginning Academy edge Cedar Hall Academy 8–6 after both schools ended the second round with 205 points each.
Government Senior Secondary School (GSS) Garki and GSS Gwarimpa also participated in the contest.
At the end of the first round, GSS Garki scored 70 points, GSS Gwarimpa secured 80 points, Cedar Hall Academy recorded 95 points, while Beautiful Beginning Academy led with 115 points.
In the second round, GSS Garki scored 40 points, GSS Gwarimpa recorded 80 points, Cedar Hall Academy scored 110 points, while Beautiful Beginning Academy secured 90 points, forcing a tie-breaker between the two leading schools.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, said the initiative was designed to mentor young people on media operations and strengthen press clubs in schools.
She commended the students for their impressive performances and encouraged teachers to sustain press club activities in their schools.
“Teachers, please organise your press clubs and, once in a while, host events and invite the NUJ-FCT Council. We will come,” she said.
Ike noted that the competition would deepen media literacy, mentorship, and community engagement among students in the FCT.
“The NUJ-FCT Council will continue to create opportunities that empower young people and promote educational and media-related activities within our schools,” she added.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the council and Coordinator of Press Clubs, Yahaya Ndambabo, said the programme reflected the union’s commitment to promoting journalism, responsible communication, and intellectual development among students.
“The NUJ-FCT Council remains passionate about strengthening press clubs in our schools,” he said.
“Through these clubs, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, communication skills, confidence, leadership qualities, and an interest in journalism and public affairs.”
Representatives of the Secondary Education Board, teachers, and other stakeholders attended the event.
Some students who spoke after the competition described it as a welcome development and the first of its kind in the FCT.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards and cash prizes to the winning schools by the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike.
