By Jude Michael
A Yoruba Student, Master Paul Ariyo, has beaten Igbo students to emerge the best in the Igbo Language during the academic prize awards to top-performing students organized by St Patrick’s College, Awka.
Ariyo appreciated the College for their goodwill and the teachers for the good knowledge impacted on them, while noting that the award would spur him and other awardees into doing more.
Philomena Nwafor who emerged the Best Graduating Student with 14 As; 7 each from WAEC and NECO, also expressed joy and hoped the recognition would spur her as she continued to strive for excellence.
The prize awards were part of events marking the investiture ceremony by St. Patrick’s College in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, to welcome their newly admitted students. The event took place on the 11th of November, 2023.
The investiture ceremony was a significant ritual in which the students were officially vested in the college. The event was honoured by the presence of the Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, who conducted an Episcopal Mass. The Manager of the College, Rev. Fr. Paschal Udo, expressed appreciation to the Bishop for attending the 2023/2024 academic investiture and acknowledged the importance of the ceremony for both the College and the inducted students. He also extended a warm welcome to the priests and religious who were present.
The investiture ceremony and prize awards attracted a wide range of attendees, including members and friends of the school. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to the best graduating students, acknowledging their outstanding achievements.
Additionally, members of a band provided entertainment and students showcased their cultural dance performances. Prayers were also offered for the school during the ceremony.
Overall, the investiture cum prize awards ceremony at St. Patrick’s College was a memorable occasion that celebrated the new students’ entry into the college and recognized the accomplishments of the deserving students. It was a joyous event filled with cultural displays, prayers, and gratitude for the presence of the Bishop and other esteemed guests.
The ceremony featured the dedication of the academic year and unveiling of best students’ awardees in the 2023/2024 academic session by His Lordship.
In an exclusive interview with the school Manager, Rev. Fr. Paschal Udo, Fides gathered that the new academic session had the theme: ”St. Patrick’s Students! Taking Bold Steps into the Future”.
The manager maintained that the scholarship given to students on account of their performance at the event would motivate other students in pursuit for excellence.
On maintaining discipline in the school, Fr Udo noted that the continuous tracking of students in school and in their homes was helping them to maintain discipline in the College.
‘We are building more on what we have already established in the school. Keeping close to them and not keeping our eyes off them is what we do. We follow them in school and at home and it is helping us well,’ he added.
