Precious Lawrence has emerged as the recipient of The Andino Excellence Award at the 45th Convocation Ceremony of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for being the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts.
Ms. Lawrence, who hails from Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State and graduated with a CGPA of 4.44, is the second laureate of this prestigious annual award, which celebrates excellence in the pursuit of knowledge. She succeeds Ms. Evelyn Japhet, who won the inaugural award at ABU’s 44th Convocation last year.
The Andino Excellence Award is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by The Andino Foundation for Community Development (TAFCOD). The program is designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic performance within the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts.
Sharing his reflections on the essence of the award, Dr. Emmanuel T. S. Gana, Head of the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, ABU Zaria, said, “Thank you very much to the Andino Foundation for initiating this award for the best graduating student of our department. This award is timely. Although it is just in its second year, it has so far made our students more resilient and committed to their studies. It is also a testament that academic excellence is still valued, helping many of them to do away with the idea that school is a scam. Thanks to the Foundation, and congratulations to Ms. Precious Lawrence.”
Presented on January 26, 2025, at the Convocation Ground, the award includes a cash prize of ₦250,000, aimed at empowering the recipient and fostering academic excellence.
Speaking on the award, Ekpeno John Ukut, Founder and Executive Director of TAFCOD, stated that the initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to encouraging and celebrating academic excellence among youths. It also embodies the Founder’s desire to give back to his alma mater, particularly his department.
According to Mr. Ukut, the Andino Excellence Award will, God willing, continue to be presented to the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts at ABU, Zaria, during each year’s convocation ceremony.
Sharing her experience and gratitude, Precious Lawrence, who described the journey as a tough one, thanked her family, friends, and lecturers who were supportive all the way, adding, “I am so grateful to the Andino Foundation for honoring my efforts. This is inspiring. I would love to be in a position to do the same for others someday. Thank you, Andino Foundation for Community Development, for honoring me.”
We look forward to celebrating with the 2026 award winner.
