₦airaland Forum

Walking Through Our Schools with the Archbishop

I was delighted to join the celebration of 140 years of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria, a moment to reflect on our shared history and the Church’s enduring role in education. Archbishop Valerian Okeke led our visit, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, and the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Peter Ryan. Together, we toured Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, and St. Charles College, Onitsha, and also inspected the ongoing development at Shanahan University.

At each school, Archbishop Crottwarmly addressed and blessed the students, and their enthusiasm reminded us of the great potential in our youth. Archbishop Okeke spoke movingly about the journey of mission schools. How they thrived under the Church, declined after government takeover, and began to revive once they were returned to their original owners in Anambra State.

Within one year of that decision, Anambra rose from the bottom to first place in national education rankings. Students soon excelled globally, winning competitions in Chicago, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Zimbabwe—proving what is possible when education is prioritised.

Ambassador Ryan encouraged the students to dream boldly, highlighting Ireland’s long-standing ties with Eastern Nigeria and pledging more books for their libraries. As the visit concluded, Archbishop Crotty offered a final blessing.

Days like this renew my hope. A nation that invests adequately in education will secure its future. Our young people remain our greatest resource.

A new Nigeria is possible. -PO

DamnnNiggarr:
Queen of the Rosary College (QRC) Onitsha Is A well-known Catholic girls’ secondary school in Onitsha, Anambra State

One of the mission schools originally managed by the Catholic Church

Known for strong academics, discipline, and moral formation

One of the schools returned to the Church by the Anambra State Government, which helped boost overall education performance in the state


It’s actually one of the most reputable girls’ schools in Eastern Nigeria.

Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious Catholic boys’ secondary schools in Nigeria.

Founded in 1933 by the Catholic Mission

Known for academic excellence, discipline, sports (especially football), and leadership grooming

Among the mission schools returned to the Church in Anambra, after which performance improved significantly statewide

The alma mater of many prominent Nigerians across politics, business, academia, sports, and the clergy


CKC is widely regarded as one of the top boys’ schools in Eastern Nigeria and has a long-standing reputation for producing well-rounded students.

St. Charles College, Onitsha

Is a Catholic mission secondary school for boys,

Located in Onitsha, Anambra State

Known for solid academics, discipline, and character formation

Like CKC and QRC, it is part of the network of mission schools that were taken over by the government and later returned to the Church

Benefited from the renewed mission-school structure that boosted education quality in Anambra

Has produced many successful alumni across different fields, similar to CKC and QRC


It forms part of the trio of historic mission schools in Onitsha often highlighted for their strong legacy in education.

DamnnNiggarr:
Obi Reaffirms Faith in Education as He Tours Mission Schools with Archbishop Okeke

anonimi:
Ratio of public to private schools in Lagos State is one to 22 ― Commissioner
September 4, 2022

The Lagos State government has said the ratio of public to private schools at both primary and secondary school levels in the state is one to 22.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, gave the revelation in her remark at the 2022 edition of the Total School Support Seminar Exhibition (TOSSE) held at Oregun in Ikeja between Thursday and Friday.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/ratio-of-public-to-private-schools-in-lagos-state-is-one-to-22-%E2%80%95-commissioner/

Quest7777:
This same Education, is considered an Abomination in the North by Boko Haram and their apólógists.

The more we try to rationalise this forced Geographical Contraption called Nigeria, the more we will realise that, the amalgamation of North & South should never have happened.

Riskymarvelous:
They can only off NEPA light buh dey no fit off ÒBÍ light

anonimi:
Anambra doctors call off strike after 13 months
February 28, 2012

After over a year of down tools, Anambra State Government employed medical doctors have finally called of strike.
According to Dr. Emma Ekwesianya, Chairman Anambra State chapter of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the striking doctors decided to pick up tools again because of the plight of the ordinary people in the societ.
“It is true, we have called off the strike. We have just signed the agreement with government about an hour ago. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) signed for the government. A technical committee, headed by Prof. O.O. Mbonu was set up to execute the agreement.” He confirmed.

“We decided to take the 60 per cent offered by government because of our people. Government has been rigid and we do not want to continue with the rigidity of government. We are serving the people, not government and our people are suffering.”
Speaking further, Ekwesianya, revealed that a technical committee, headed by Prof. O.O. Mbonu had also been set up by the association to see to the implementation of the agreement with government sequel to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Peter Obi-led government on Monday.

Chief Medical Director, Anambra State University Teaching Hospital (ASUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Lawrence Ikeakor also confirmed the new development: “Well I’m happy to tell you that the strike has been amicably resolved, even though, like you said, it’s been a prolonged one but suffice it to say that it has been resolved and the doctors have resumed work.”
“The call off was yesterday (Sunday). The doctors had some negotiations and held their congress yesterday, during which they agreed to call off the strike. So they resumed duty today.
They are in their clinic. Well, I was not privy to the agreement but I will say that our representatives were satisfied with the arrangement, hence they decided to call off the strike.” He disclosed.

https://dailypost.ng/2012/02/28/anambra-doctors-call-off-strike-after-13-months/

anonimi:
Any idea why Obi offed the light of healthcare in Anambra for 13 months

anonimi:
Any idea why Obi offed the light of healthcare in Anambra for 13 months

ACRI:
That’s his area of competence

Pootle:
ladies voice i know it all.

he did not go with his mad man advisor

anonimi:
Any idea why Obi offed the light of healthcare in Anambra for 13 months

Jayhome24:
So who is against education? I hate it with passion seen rubbish statement like this.

Is their anyone in the current political arena in Nigeria who is against education? So why all these stu-pid bruhahaha.

He reaffirmed commitmentvto education and sad "Education is not fo the poor". He reaffirmed education and refused 13 moths Uni of Snambra staff wwaes? He reafirmed education and angrily sacked Anambra Uni VC for asking him to pay staff? He affirmed education and can not point 5 Secondary schools He built for 8 years as a governor?

All these useless social media stunt is for you people who are stil in your mother's womb when this Lamba-in- Chief was the governor not me or any sane igbo or sane Nigerians who were adult as at that time.

Rubbish!!!

MartinCorridon:
Hmmm.... "Faith in education" buy earned a 3rdie Class

ednut1:
15 months to election. We don’t even know which party oni dey / will contest. Atiku will surely get ADc ticket 😪

EponObi:
This guy will stop all these micro donations after losing in 2027. Just like he stopped touring churches after losing in 2023 - he realized say religion angle no fit make am president, even when the main contender floated a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Disenfranchised:
It says something about Peter Obi. He is not overtly particular about politicking but about the warfare of the people.

That's why we chose him.

That's why I chose him.

Disenfranchised:
you think PO is your regular politicians.

Pootle:
ladies voice i know it all.

he did not go with his mad man advisor