The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Dr. Valerian Okeke, has commissioned the one thousand two hundred capacity student’s hostel and dining facility of Saint John Science and Technical College, Alor in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The commissioning of the facility conceived by the World Bank through the Anambra State government attracted the religious, staff and students of the school, members of Old Boys Association of the school, parents, stakeholders in education, among others in attendance.
The one thousand two hundred capacity student’s hostel and dining facility was initiated and constructed by the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano, completed by the Onitsha Archdiocese and commissioned by the Archbishop, Most Reverend Dr. Okeke.
It was gathered that more than forty percent of work done in building of the facility, especially the electrical and metal works, including the silos, all the dining tables, double bunk beds and many others were done by students and teachers of the Technical Department of the school.
In his remarks, Archbishop Okeke recounted that since the state government returned mission-owned schools to their owners, there has been tremendous improvement in the quality of education in Anambra; with the students winning numerous laurels in academic competitions within and outside Nigeria.
While dedicating the facility, the Archbishop thanked God and prayed that the future will be brighter, noting that the school is training the children to be the best, even as he charged all to strive to train their children to be marketable globally.
He further appreciated parents, teachers, members of the Old Boys Association of the school for their contributions and goodwill to the college.
In his address, the Principal and Manager of the College, Reverend Father Francis Unegbu, disclosed that with the completion of the facility, the one thousand one hundred and forty-eight students of the school are more comfortable living in a habitable environment, which he said has eluded them over the years.
He noted that the students are comfortable to a reasonable extent, which will enhance their formation and help them become very responsible Christians and honest citizens in the future
The Archbishop however noted that work is still ongoing all around the school compound, especially in the area of erosion control, which he said is their greatest challenge presently.
Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, who is also an old boy of the school, said that the academic standard of the school is exceptionally high, and congratulated the state government, Archbishop Okeke, the Old Boys Association and the principal of the school, describing them as key players in the education sector.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education, ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, expressed hope that the light which has started shining in the school with the building of the facility after the fire incidents of last year will continue to shine, and charged teachers at the school not to relent in instilling discipline and good morals in the students.
For the President of the Old Boys Association of the college, Chief Cyprian Afunugo, Saint John Science and Technical College Alor is known for excellence, and has trained men of value; both in the secular and religious sectors of the society.
Cutting of ribbon on the new building, presentation of gift items to the Archbishop, presentation of awards to some deserving individuals including the President of the Old Boys Association, Chief Afunugo, among others featured at the event.
Comments are closed for this post.