The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, was on Friday honoured with the “Beacon of Education Award” by Beautiful Beginning Academy in recognition of her outstanding commitment to educational excellence and her contributions to the advancement of learning and youth development.
The award which took place at Nile University followed the Academy’s revelation that the NUJ FCT under Comrade Ike helped transform the fortunes of its pupils during a national media quiz competition, in which Beautiful Beginning Academy ultimately placed first.
Presenting the award before an audience of parents, teachers, graduates and dignitaries, the school’s Proprietor and Managing Director, Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Nasa Okolie, described Comrade Ike as a leader whose quiet acts of generosity have changed the lives of many children without seeking public recognition.
She recalled that, upon learning about the Academy’s participation in a national contest only two weeks before the event, she reached out for support and found an immediate partner in the NUJ FCT under Ike.
According to her, the NUJ FCT Chairman did not merely endorse the project but ensured the children received the welfare support they needed throughout the competition, including gifts and logistics that kept their morale high.
The MD said the intervention contributed significantly to the school’s emergence as the overall winner.
“She came in and changed the narrative. There is nothing I can give her that equals what she has done for these children,” she said.
The Academy described Comrade Ike as a beacon of compassion whose commitment has inspired both pupils and educators.
In recognition of her impact, the institution presented her with the “Beacon of Education Award,” citing her dedication to educational excellence and her invaluable contributions to learning and youth development.
An emotional Comrade Grace Ike, who said she had not been informed she would receive the honour, described the award as both a surprise and a renewed call to service.
Holding back tears, she dedicated the recognition to Ms. Adaeze Tochukwu Taha Okeke, a special-needs student whose personal story deeply moved her during the graduation ceremony.
“I dedicate this award to Adaeze,” Ike said.
Comrade Ike pledged to devote more of her time, professional platform and influence to advocating for children living with special needs.
“I will amplify their voices, tell their stories and continue to use journalism to draw attention to their needs so society can better support them,” she said.
She also commended Adaeze’s family for their unwavering commitment, promising that their story would continue to inspire advocacy for inclusion and equal opportunities.
The presentation of the “Beacon of Education Award” drew a standing ovation from guests and became one of the defining moments of the 2026 Beautiful Beginning Academy graduation ceremony, reinforcing the growing role of journalism, philanthropy and community partnerships in advancing inclusive education in Nigeria.
