…Institution Holds Investiture of New Students, Conferment of Awards, Send-off for Immediate Past SS 3 Students
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, on the 8th of November 2026, declared open the 2026/2027 Academic Year of St. Mary’s High School, Ifitedunu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Declaring the Academic Year Open towards the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the diocesan Bishop who was represented by Fr. Evaristus Ibenegbu, charged them to be committed and disciplined and take their studies seriously.
In his homily, the former Manager of the school, Rev. Fr. Paschal Nnajiofor, reflected on the theme: ”Keeping the flame alive”. He drew from the readings to show how Christians must rely on divine wisdom to make contingency plans in their journey of faith to keep their flame alive just like the five wise virgins in the Bible.
The investiture of the new students followed immediately after the homily. The new students pledged to respect the dignity of the school uniform with the discipline and values it symbolised.
The flurry of activities he performed in the school included multiple ceremonies such as the inauguration of the 2026/2027 Academic Year, the investiture of new students; the conferment of awards; and the send-off for its immediate past SS 3 students.
In a detailed appreciation, the school Manager, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Emengini, recognised the priests, members of St. Mary’s Alumni Association, Parent-Teacher-Association, St. Mary’s staff, immediate past SS 3 students, and other distinguished guests who attended the occasion.
Among the dignitaries were Rev. Fr. Nicodemus Izuchukwu, the Manager of Aaron Ekwu Memorial Secondary School, Amawbia; Rev. Fr. Victor Igwegbe, the parish priest of St. Mary’s Parish Ifitedunu; Hon. Sir Okey Nwude and Dr. Mrs. Chikwere who represented the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Engr. Zimuzo Odogwu (Agbarusia Ngene); Senator Victor Umeh (Ohamadike), representing Anambra Central Senatorial District; Prof. Stephen Ufearo; President General, Ifitedunu Town Union; Engr. Basil Ibidi, NDC Candidate for the State House of Assembly, Dunukofia constituency, and a host of others.
The giving of awards commenced after the Mass with the unveiling of the best graduating student in the 2025/2026 Academic Session, Michael Chukwudi Udobi, and other students and teachers who excelled at various academic and behavioural categories.
The best graduating student, Udobi, who has already secured admission to study Medicine and Surgery at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, was given full scholarship by Senator Victor Umeh. Also the ten handicapped students and their teacher at St. Mary’s High School received scholarship and other benefits from Senator Victor Umeh.
He also promised to include a project for the school at the next constituency budget. The school Management appreciated many students who excelled in various subjects in all the classes with gifts and trophies. Each of the immediate past SS 3 students received an attractive package from the school.
One of the high points of the conferment of awards was the donation of 20 pieces of decent classroom tables by the immediate past SS 3 students as a symbol of their gratitude for what they described as the balanced formation they received at their alma mater.
The Manager thanked all the guests and pledged to leave no stone unturned in building the school to an enviable standard.
