Archbishop Okeke charges Onitsha students on academic excellence

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

Catholic Bishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has charged students in various Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Onitsha to always maintain the spirit of excellence in their academic pursuit and moral conduct.

Speaking on Friday, during the presentation of prizes to students and schools who excelled in the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Science Competition (AVOSCO) and Shanahan Debate Competition held at the centenary field, Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Archbishop Okeke said that the programme tagged: “A day with the Archbishop” was inspired by the need to inculcate the spirit of excellence which the Archdiocese is known for, in the students.

He said that 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 rancor or unhealthy competition.

The Archbishop said the target of the Archdiocese under his watch is to ensure and maintain that all schools in the Archdiocese never perform below distinction level in their academics.   

“We want each and every one of you to go and get world medals as champions too,” Archbishop Okeke stated.

During the prize presentation, Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji Divine Rays British School, Obosi, and Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, emerged tops.

Mater Amabilis School, Umuoji clinched the first prize at the Shanahan Debate Competition segment, earning a ₦500,000 grand prize.  The school’s Enuka Chibusomma secured the coveted title of Best Speaker at the Archdiocesan level, a distinction that underscores the school’s investment in the holistic development of its students. Christ the King College, Onitsha, finished second with ₦300,000, while All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, came third with N200, 000.