Catholic Archbishop urges students to maintain excellence in academics

Photo: Archbishop Okeke saluting the students at the end of the science competition...credit: Ikenna Obianeri

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The Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Valerian Okeke, has charged students in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Onitsha to consistently uphold excellence in both their academic pursuits and moral conduct.

The Archbishop gave the charge on Saturday during the presentation of prizes to outstanding students and schools at the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Science Competition and Shanahan Debate Competition, held at the Centenary Field, Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.

The event, which he described as “A day with the Archbishop,” was, according to him, inspired by the need to inculcate a culture of excellence among students within the Archdiocese.

Okeke said, “When virtue is added to intellectual ability, it becomes a character of excellence which manifests in excelling in all assigned tasks and targets without unnecessary rancour or unhealthy competition.

“The target of the church under my watch is to ensure and maintain that all schools in the Archdiocese never performs below distinction level in their academics.

“Life is in the ears, they say. You nurture and train the young ones to hear and learn as well. My contact with you is to pass on the spirit of excellence, greatness, accomplishment and goodness to its zenith to you.

“Ask yourself why is it that it is the Onitsha Archdiocesan schools that win local and international competitions most times. We want each and every one of you to go and get world medals as champions too.”

At the prize presentation, Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji; Divine Rays British School, Obosi; and Christ the King College, Onitsha, emerged as top-performing schools.

Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji, clinched the first prize in the Shanahan Debate Competition, earning a ₦500,000 grand prize, while one of its pupils, Enuka Chibusomma, emerged Best Speaker at the Archdiocesan level.

Christ the King College, Onitsha, finished second, receiving ₦300,000, while All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, placed third, winning ₦200,000.

In the Senior Category of the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Science Competition, Lebechi Chijindu Marvis of Divine Rays British School, Obosi, emerged winner with 85 points, while Chukwuemeka Jennifer of Mater Amabilis School finished second, trailing by eight points.

Mater Amabilis School also emerged Best Team in Nnobi Region, winning five medals, and later clinched the Best Team at the Archdiocesan Level, earning additional prizes.

Speaking after the competitions, the School Manager of Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Rev. Fr. Francis Onwuchulum, expressed delight at the students’ performance, describing it as a continuation of the strong foundation laid by previous administrators.

According to him, the achievements were a product of a deliberate commitment to excellence, adding that teachers remained the backbone of the success.

He said the teachers were “the silent engines of success,” noting their dedication, passion, and resilience in preparing the students.

Onwuchulum also thanked the proprietor, Archbishop Okeke, describing his support as instrumental to the school’s growth.

“The Archbishop’s vision for excellence is the wind behind our wings, his support inspires us to reach further and dream bigger,” he added.

In a vote of thanks, the Archdiocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. (Dr) Paschal Onwugbenu, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for expanding learning opportunities across the Archdiocese, as well as his initiatives and achievements in educational development.

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