Cecilia Ibru and her husband Michael were awarded by the National Association of South-South Students for their roles as leaders in education and service to humanity. The award recognized the couple's philanthropic foundation, which established the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University. In her speech, Cecilia Ibru discussed the philosophy of the Michael and Cecilia International School they founded, which has grown from 20 students to over 100 students taught in accordance with international standards while emphasizing Nigerian culture and languages.

1. By Cecilia Ibru

2.  The Michael and Cecilia Foundation was recently
given an award by the National Association of
South-South Students (NASS). Cecilia Ibru, a
successful Nigerian-born entrepreneur, and her
husband, Michael, were recognized by the
students for their roles as leaders in education
and for their service to humanity.
At the presentation, held in Agbara-Otor, Ughelli
North council, in Nigeria’s Delta State, NASS
president Comrade Amadi Destiny Obaro gave
Mrs. Ibru the award.

3.  He said that it symbolized the extent to which
member students identified with the mission of
the couple’s philanthropic foundation and with
the establishment of the Michael and Cecilia Ibru
University.
Cecilia Ibru expressed appreciation for the honor
and went on to detail the philosophy of the
Michael and Cecilia International School, as well.
This progressive school, which started with only
20 students, today serves more than 100
children in a facility which is set up to model
international standards and which offers a warm
and nurturing atmosphere.

4.  The school, Mrs. Ibru said, emphasizes the
importance of respect for Nigeria’s traditional
cultures and makes a concerted effort to teach
the country’s native languages.
Cecilia Ibru’s longtime commitment to enhancing
educational opportunities for all Nigerians is
reflected in her personal philosophy, some of
which she shared at the awards ceremony. She
said that learning involves not only processing
information, but also making one’s own
distinctive contribution to the world.