By Uche Enem
Last week Sunday, the Management of St. John Vocational & Technical Institute, Neni, graduated 26 entrepreneurs during her 2019 Exhibition Day.
Delivering his homily, the Educational Secretary of Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Hilary Obinna Nwajagu, hinged his message on steadfastness, using Abraham’s persistent intercession for Sodom & Gomorrah as an example . He illustrated practical ways God answers our prayers when we are persistent in prayers. He added that Christians should pray always from their heart and not because they were obliged to do so.
To the graduands, he told them that whatever they learnt in the institute will help them become successful. Furthermore, the eloquent priest advised them not to follow shortcuts to success rather, they should be diligent in their undertakings even as he charged them with the good ambassadorship of the Institute in their SIWES programme.
‘If we can get it right here in the institute, why then do we need to import some wears? ´. Fr. Nwajagu encouraged them to sow bountifully so that they could reap bountifully. He thanked the formators and the management team for their efforts and contributions to see that the exhibitionist and students were working hard. He concluded his homily by advising students to get all the rudiments of life before leaving the Institute.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chudi Nwokediuko Esq.,( Ezeana Akurienne) expressed joy about the exhibition, praised the school management and staff for all their efforts in inculcating sound knowledge and discipline in the students. He welcomed all to the event and thanked them for their time in coming to celebrate with the graduating students. He reminded the parents of their responsibilities to their wards. He told them that every parent must pay attention to their children and make sure they are doing well.
Also speaking, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Fidelis Okafor, advised students to work hard in order to be outstanding among their peers. He added that through hard work, they could positively contribute to society.
In his remarks, the Rector of the Institute, Rev. Fr. FrancisMichael Enyosiobi, thanked God for a successful exhibition ceremony. He thanked the Diocesan Bishop represented by the Education Secretary for his paternal care.He equally extended his vote of thanks to the Education Secretary himself, acknowledging this as the first time any Education Secretary Visited the institute in his tenure and with passion ( even paying a student’s outstanding school fees). He said that the graduating students will be going for their 6month SIWES programme and encouraged them to make the school proud.
He congratulated the students for their successful stay in the Institute and wished them well in the labour market. He thanked the Chairman of the occasion, Board of Directors, formators, sponsors and the Vice Rector, Rev. Fr, Raymond Umunnajiuba, for all their contributions to the Institute.
In an interview with some of the graduating students in various departments, Fides gathered that the graduating students were very happy about the knowledge they had gathered from the institute.
Nweke Chidimma, a Cosmetology & Production Technology Graduate: I have learnt a lot and I am happy that I am a graduate of St. John Vocational and Technical Institute. I had challenges of finance, but I was determined to finish the race. I encourage others not to give up during their tough moments.
Maduekwe JohnPaul, a Cosmetology & Production Technology Graduate: It was not easy but it is worth it. I formerly worked as a non-teaching staff in the ICT unit. I was encouraged to become a student of the Institute through the HOD. My stay in this Institute has been an awesome experience.
Okafor, Chiamaka, Catering & Hospitality Management Graduate: It was hard, but I was determined. I am happy that I can produce good wedding cakes and do so many other bakeries. I thank God I was able to end well. I advise that students become entrepreneurial because, it is the best to be in the world.
Oranukosi Ifeoma, Fashion Design & Clothing Technology Graduate: I am very excited. It is a wonderful school and the school is doing well. At first, I thought it was only practical; but with time I was able to adjust and cope with the theoretical aspect and exams. If I have younger ones, I will recommend they come to this Institute and learn.
