As part of the 140th anniversary of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria, Archbishop Valerian Okeke led a tour of prominent Catholic schools in Onitsha, joined by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, and the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Peter Ryan. Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi also participated in the visit, which highlighted the Church’s enduring role in education.
The delegation visited Christ the King College (CKC), Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), St. Charles College, and inspected ongoing development at Shanahan University. At each institution, Archbishop Crotty addressed and blessed the students, whose spirited responses underscored the promise of Nigeria’s youth.
Archbishop Okeke reflected on the history of mission schools, noting their early success under Church management, decline following government takeover, and revival after their return to the Church in Anambra State. Within a year of that decision, Anambra rose from the bottom to first place in national education rankings. Students have since achieved global recognition, winning competitions in Chicago, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Ryan encouraged students to pursue bold ambitions, reaffirming Ireland’s historic ties with Eastern Nigeria and pledging additional books for school libraries. The visit concluded with Archbishop Crotty offering a final blessing.
Speaking after the tour, Peter Obi described the day as a reminder of the transformative power of education. “A nation that invests adequately in education will secure its future. Our young people remain our greatest resource,” he said.
