Obi Reaffirms Faith In Education As He Tours Mission Schools With Archbishop Val

 Walking Through Our Schools with the Archbishop

I was delighted to join the celebration of 140 years of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria, a moment to reflect on our shared history and the Church’s enduring role in education. Archbishop Valerian Okeke led our visit, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, and the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Peter Ryan. Together, we toured Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, and St. Charles College, Onitsha, and also inspected the ongoing development at Shanahan University.

At each school, Archbishop Crottwarmly addressed and blessed the students, and their enthusiasm reminded us of the great potential in our youth. Archbishop Okeke spoke movingly about the journey of

mission schools. How they thrived under the Church, declined after government takeover, and began to revive once they were returned to their original owners in Anambra State.

Within one year of that decision, Anambra rose from the bottom to first place in national education rankings. Students soon excelled globally, winning competitions in Chicago, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Zimbabwe—proving what is possible when education is prioritised.

Ambassador Ryan encouraged the students to dream boldly, highlighting Ireland’s long-standing ties with Eastern Nigeria and pledging more books for their libraries. As the visit concluded, Archbishop Crotty offered a final blessing.

Days like this renew my hope. A nation that invests adequately in education will secure its future. Our young people remain our greatest resource.

A new Nigeria is possible. -PO

Obi Reaffirms Faith in Education as He Tours Mission Schools with Archbishop Okeke

Peter Obi