Be Conscious Of Your Academic, Moral Excellence At All Times—Archbishop Okeke

By Chuks Eke—

Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese and Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, has tasked students in various Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to always maintain the spirit of excellence and moral rectitude in their academic pursuits.

Speaking 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 on the students which the Archdiocese is known for.

He said that when virtue is added to intellectual ability, it becomes a character of excellence that manifests in excelling in all assigned tasks and targets without unnecessary rancor or unhealthy competition and rivalry.

The Archbishop said the target of the Archdiocese under his watch is to always maintain a higher standard and, at the same time, ensure that all schools in the Archdiocese do not perform below a distinction level in their academic pursuits.

“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 it that it is the Onitsha Archdiocesan schools that win local and international competitions most times. We want 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 ₦ 200,000.

In the Senior Category of Archbishop Valerian Okeke Science Competition, AVOSCO Chukwuemeka Chimchedom Jennifer led the Mater Amabilis charge with a brilliant 2nd-place finish, falling short of the top position by eight points after Lebechi Chijindu Marvis of Divine Rays British School Obosi clinched the lead with 85 points.

Mater Amabilis school also emerged Best Team in Nnobi Region, winning an impressive five medals, before ascending to the position of Best Team at the Archdiocesan Level, where they received other mouthwatering prizes.

Speaking after the competitions, the School Manager, Rev. Fr. Francis Onwuchulum, expressed profound delight at the students’ performance.

He noted that the school’s achievements represent the continuation—and even expansion—of the strong foundation laid by his predecessors. According to him, Mater Amabilis’ upward trajectory is the result of a deliberate commitment to nurturing excellence in every student.

Fr. Onwuchulum also extended heartfelt appreciation to the teachers, whom he described as “the silent engines of success,” consistently preparing students with dedication, passion, and resilience.

He further conveyed deep gratitude to the proprietor, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, whom he said that his magnanimity, fatherly presence, and unwavering encouragement remain a source of strength to the school community.

“The Archbishop’s vision for excellence is the wind behind our wings; his support inspires us to reach further and dream bigger.”Fr. Onwuchulum said.

Archdiocesan Education Secretary, Rev Fr (Dr) Paschal Onwugbenu, in a vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for multiplying various sources of learning in the Onitsha Archdiocese, his positive initiatives towards educational development, and dynamic achievements in the education sector.