Chinedum Elekwachi
A total of 51 students have been honored by the Diocese on the Niger for their outstanding scores in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Twenty of the students scored 300 and above, while 31 scored 270 to 299.
Presenting the students with the awards, Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev Owen Nwokolo, said the award marks another milestone for unwavering commitment to holistic education on the Niger.
He said the award, comprising cash gift and a book titled The Lord’s Prayer’ written by the Bishop was a way of celebrating the students’ hard work and encouraging others to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
According to Nwokolo, holistic education on the Niger encompasses sound learning and character formation.
He referenced the Diocesan motto, ‘Lux Fiat’ meaning ‘Show the Light’, emphasizing the students’ commitment to spreading knowledge and values.
Assuring the Diocese commitment to remain a beacon for education formation in Anambra State, the Prelate disclosed that 100 students would benefit from the gesture next year.
He encouraged the Niger Education Board and principals of Diocesan schools to maintain their good work, expressing desire for even more students to excel.
Nwokolo also emphasized importance of mentorship to parents, teachers, and students, highlighting its role in shaping future leaders.
He charged parents, supervising priests and school board members to collaborate in mentorship, broadening their education ministry to produce more stars and leaders of tomorrow.
School principals appreciated
The Diocesan Education Board Chairman, Dr. Ken Azubuike, and the Diocesan Education Secretary, Venerable Izuchukwu Ndubuisi, appreciated the school principals for their labour of love and the Diocese for providing an enabling environment for learning.
Responding, Master Onwuagana of Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa Secondary School, Awkuzu, who had the highest score of 338, thanked the Diocese for recognizing their efforts.
“History wil be kind to our Lord Bishop for his wonderful back up to the Niger Education Sector,” he prayed.
Parents of the student-awardees commended the Bishop for providing conducive environment for teaching and learning in diocesan schools.
“The proper coordination of the mission infrastructure on the Niger has placed the Diocese first among equals,” they said.
Director of Communications in the Niger Diocese Chief Sir Oselloka Offoh applauded the Bishop for the incredible record of achievements in all spheres of Mission work.
He expressed delight that Niger Diocese has become the pride of the South East, having taken University on the Niger to Continental levels.
“The bishop’s recent trans-atlantic shuttles to USA and United kingdom have sealed critical partnerships needed to actualise all the dreams and targets of the people of the Diocese on the Niger,” he stressed.
