. . As 150 become Bon-fide Students at 5th Investiture
By Chioma Ndife
Sequel to the resolution to provide students with educational facilities to promote holistic academic training comparable to world-class standard, the Management and staff of St. Mary’s College, Awka, Anambra State, has embarked on fund raising to set up Science Laboratories.
The plans and subsequent activities to facilitate the process of setting up laboratories for Chemistry, Physics and Biology, were borne out of the steady resolution and determination of the management to enable the students master practical aspects of subject under their curriculum as required in 21st century.
The fund raising was held on Sunday, December 8, during the 5th anniversary of the school and investiture of over 400 new students by His Lordship Most Rev. Peter Okpaleke, the then Bishop of Ahiara Diocese.
Leading in the Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop Okpaleke thanked God for the gift of St. Mary’s College and the progress which had been attained over the years since its establishment. He said that the advent of Christianity brought about education which he described as the hallmark and beginning of other things. He noted that training was essential for human conduct and interrelationship and emphasized the need for parents and others to donate towards the academic training of young minds, saying that education uplifted a nation.
He highlighted the benefits which people stood to gain through Catholic education and stated that well trained children often brought joy to the parents, town and community. He therefore encouraged parents to be consistent in their sacrifices towards the academic pursuit of their children, saying that the benefits outweighed the consequences.
In his homily, Bishop Okpaleke said there was need for children to be channelled properly in the areas that would bring out the greatness in them and urged parents to follow in the footsteps of Christ for the younger generation to look up to them.
In his address of welcome, the Manager, Rev. Fr. Kevin Ezemmaduka, identified lack of laboratory facility in the college as the most pressing need facing it. He explained that the lab was needed for the college to be recognized as a WAEC centre and help students learn practical aspects of whatever they were taught in the science related subjects.
He revealed that the sum of ten million Naira was required to set up laboratories in all the science subjects and beckoned on all public spirited individuals to assist the school management to achieve its intention of producing academic giants in various fields of life.
Welcoming the new students, Fr. Ezemmaduka charged them to fit into all areas of formation which the school team was ready to offer them and utilize the opportunity provided for them to make their lives useful.
He enumerated the achievements which the school had recorded in various competitions which it had participated in both within and outside the state, and reaffirmed commitment of the school’s staff to offer the academic training to the students.
The principal appreciated Bishop Okpaleke for finding time to be with the students and the diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, for his contributions towards the building project at hand.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, St. Mary’s Parish, Awka, Hon. Okey Enekwe, said all hands must be on deck to move the college to a desirable height. He maintained that the provision of needed facilities in schools helped to boost the zeal of students and lead towards the right pedestal in life for the development of inherent potentials.
Apart from the investiture and launching for the science laboratory which held under the chairmanship of Arch. Uche Azodo, trophies and awards were presented to students who distinguished themselves academically and in others areas during the last academic session.
