By Charles Igwe and Obum Okakpu
Trinity College, Onitsha, reverberated with excitement, ingenuity, and a celebration of youthful brilliance as the school held its maiden Skill Exhibition Day on Friday, April 11, 2025—coinciding with the students’ vacation for the Easter break. The event, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of parents, staff and special guests, showcased the exceptional talents of students who have spent months honing various entrepreneurial and technical skills.
The event was flagged off by the School Manager,Rev. Fr. John Ezeanowai, who delivered an inspiring keynote address on the importance of raising a generation of problem solvers who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s evolving socio-economic landscape. According to him, education must transcend the classroom and become a tool for nurturing the affective, cognitive, and psycho-motor domains of the learner. “One of the major reasons for education is that it must be geared towards solving problems,” he said, emphasizing the school’s vision of producing students equipped not only with academic knowledge but with real-world skills that promote self-reliance and innovation.
Students contested across several categories, including Robotics, Fascinator Crafting, Shoemaking, Confectionery, Bag Making, Electronics and Wig Making. The air was thick with anticipation as each contestant dazzled the audience with their handiwork. From beautifully crafted fascinators to neatly sewn shoes, from delicious pastries to sophisticated handbags, the displays were nothing short of phenomenal. Of particular interest was a code-driven traffic light model that attracted wide admiration from both parents and peers, demonstrating the increasing embrace of tech-driven creativity among the students.
Judges were drawn from within and outside the school and assessed participants using four key criteria: Creativity, Aesthetics, Ethics, and Originality. The judging panel, visibly impressed by the array of projects on display, applauded the students’ efforts and the vision behind the initiative.
Adding linguistic flair to the afternoon, selected students rendered speeches in German and Chinese, wowing the audience and further reflecting the school’s commitment to all-round development.
As the exhibition drew to a close, deserving winners in various categories were honored with eye-catching prizes: a brand-new laptop each went to the top students in Robotics and ICT; a microwave was awarded to the best cooks in both male and female categories; the winner in Wig Making received a bundle of hair attachments; and other mouth-watering rewards were shared across the categories. Many of the showcased items were purchased by guests at generous prices, serving both as encouragement and real-time validation for the students’ craftsmanship.
Speaking to Trinitas Press on the sidelines of the event, Fr. Ezeanowai explained that the skill acquisition concept was introduced in the previous academic year as a deliberate effort to promote holistic development. “While academic degrees are vital,” he noted, “students must be empowered to use their hands and minds to meet the needs around them. These skills will help them become independent and provide for themselves.” He further revealed that the school plans to make the exhibition an annual event, gradually expanding its reach and impact with the support of sponsors and well-wishers.
Fr. Ezeanowai also reiterated the school’s broader educational philosophy, which embraces both excellence and innovation. “Trinity is a model school. We follow the positive trends of time, not just academically but in every aspect of human formation,” he said. In further motivating the students, he disclosed that anyone who scores a 95% average in their cumulative results would receive a one-year scholarship—an initiative aimed at inspiring academic distinction alongside skill mastery.
The event wrapped up on a joyful note with the manager offering heartfelt gratitude to the students for their creativity, the parents for their presence and support, and the sponsors for their generosity. He wished the students a happy Easter break, praying for their safe return in mind and body.
