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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Catholic Archdiocese of Orlu has denied claims that it intends to use the Imo State Polytechnic campuses in Orlu as its pastoral centre.
Archdiocese spokesperson Sir Jude Ayanugo released a statement on Monday describing the claims reported in a local tabloid as “misleading and mischievous.” He clarified that the earlier government announcement to merge the school’s campuses into a suitable location was misinterpreted.
“The Catholic Archdiocese of Orlu has never conceived nor planned converting the campus into a pastoral centre,” Ayanugo stated.
He provided historical context, explaining that the land currently occupied by the Orlu campus was donated to the Catholic Church mission by the Orlu community in 1947 for educational purposes.
Ayanugo clarified the timeline, stating that the government announcement was made on May 2, 2024, and the tabloid published the claim on the same day. He emphasized that the committee responsible for the merger has not even been inaugurated, making the claim of the Bishop converting the campus into a pastoral centre impossible.
He further stated that even if the Bishop Shanahan Teachers’ College (BSTC) were to return to the Catholic mission, it would not be used as a pastoral centre. The Archdiocese has already made arrangements for the establishment of Trinitas.
