-College Transforms into Mini-Industry
- Ogidi Monarch, Other Indigenes Laud College Over Giant Strides in Skill Acquisition
By Nna Anulumadu
Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area, has set the pace in skills acquisition among secondary schools in Nigeria, as it held its maiden talent incubation and career development programme last Sunday, March 9, 2025.
The spectacular event witnessed the exhibition of dozens of innovative products, including mechanical and electronic devices, solar energy packs, insecticide, detergent, soap, clothing, and footwear, all produced by the students of the college. Additionally, the students showcased their culinary skills, offering a variety of food items, including Heerey bread and snacks. The students also demonstrated their artistic prowess, showcasing their impressive skills in drawings and artistic works.
In an address at the event, the college revealed that the programme was staged to nurture and celebrate the boundless creativity, innovation, productivity, and potentials within its students. The college emphasized that talent should not only be discovered but also nurtured.
The address highlighted the college’s impressive track record, recalling that last year, the students won the African regional level of the World Affairs Challenge, beating several schools across Africa with their innovative Heerey Solar Tracker project. This project tackles Nigeria’s electricity and plastic waste pollution issues, and the college expressed hope to perform even better in the upcoming global finals, which will take the students to the USA.
It was also recalled that in the past, the school has excelled in various competitions, including SAGE, Diamond Challenge, and Beyond School Community Challenge.
Speaking at the event, the traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, HRM Igwe Pharm. Alex Onyido Ezechuamagha, extolled the college team, led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Nwadimkpa, for the new paradigm shift in the college. This shift provides students with the opportunity to graduate with valuable skills that can secure them a brighter future. The monarch expressed his excitement and emphasized that technical education embedded in skills is what secondary schools in the country need to adopt. He commended Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, for taking the lead in this regard.
The monarch supported the college with a generous donation and pledged to build a laboratory in the school to further advance the skill acquisition programme.
High Chief Prof. Frank Okafor, who delivered a brief lecture at the event, commended the college team for their commitment to equipping students with skills. He posited that innovation, which the college is championing, is the only way to solve Nigeria’s economic problems. He pledged his continued support to the college and established an endowment fund of N10,000,000 to encourage the ongoing skill acquisition programme.
Rear Admiral Charles Obiora Medeani who chaired the event, eulogized the college for providing students with a solid foundation through entrepreneurship skills education. He expressed delight that the college is setting the pace in technical education.
Rev. Fr. Peter Onyebuchi Nwadimkpa, school principal / manager of Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, expressed joy over a recent event that showcased students’ talents. “We emphasize talent discovery and development, and it’s yielded impressive results. This event was the climax, offering students a platform to demonstrate their skills.”
“Students from the automobile department produced a gasket and bushing, while those from the building department constructed a beautiful side table and stools. The school plans to hold an annual inter-departmental competition, with Prof. Frank Okafor pledging N1 million in support every year that span through the next ten years.
The college is also venturing into various industries, including block production, sachet water, and power banks, with plans to mass-produce these items for public consumption. A leather department will be introduced to produce sandals for the school and other institutions.”
Rev. Fr. Nwadimkpa emphasized that the college’s mission goes beyond formal education, focusing on creating, innovating, producing, and selling – a concept he termed “entrepreneurial” This approach aims to produce skilled graduates and help address Nigeria’s economic challenges caused by reliance on imported goods.
The school manager poured encomiums on the Archbishop of Onitsha cum proprietor of the college His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke the Archbishop for inspiring and encouraging school managers to self reliant through a seminar organized by the Archdiocesan education office anchored by a resource person who emphasized the business dimension of education years ago. f
He thanked Igwe Alex Onyido, Prof. Frank Okafor, Rear Admiral Charles Medani, and others for their support. He also appreciated his staff and parents for their commitment to the college’s goals.
Diginitries present at the event includes Commissioner for Education and Chairman PPSSC ably represented, member representing Ogidi Lady Dr. Ngozi Ekwunife, Zonal Director Ogidi Zone Mrs Nkiru Elosiuba, Mr. Patrick Okeke a consultant with National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) and others .
