28/05/2026
OLD BOYS, OLD GIRLS – YOUNG WITNESSES: Bishop Onah Calls for Living Testimony of Catholic Education at End-of-Year Mass
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Most Rev Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, has on Thursday 14th May 2026, called on alumni of Catholic schools—old boys and old girls—to become “young witnesses” of the values and virtues they received, as he presided over a solemn Holy Mass marking the end of the academic year for diocesan schools.
The celebration, held in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and reflection, also coincided with the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, giving the Bishop the opportunity to situate the educational mission of the Church within the broader mandate of Christian witness.
In his introductory remarks, the Bishop recalled the mystery of the Ascension, noting that Christ’s departure into heaven was not an abandonment but the beginning of a mission entrusted to the Church through the Holy Spirit. He reminded the faithful that just as the apostles were sent forth, so too are students formed and later commissioned to become witnesses in the world.
He expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the academic year, thanking God for peace, progress, and the absence of any major insecurity or tragic incident across diocesan schools. He appreciated parents, teachers, parish priests, administrators, and the Diocesan Education Commission for their collaboration in sustaining Catholic education.
Turning his attention to the students, the Bishop reaffirmed that Catholic schools are not only places of academic instruction but environments of integral formation where “knowledge, values, and virtues” are cultivated. He emphasized that duties such as prefectship, classroom responsibilities, and manual tasks are not mere routines but formative tools for character building.
A Homily on Witness and Mission
In his homily, the Bishop drew attention to the scriptural question: “Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky?” (Acts of the Apostles). Engaging students in a brief catechetical exchange, he underscored the transition from contemplation to mission, explaining that the Ascension marks the end of Christ’s visible presence and the beginning of apostolic responsibility.
He explained that Catholic education mirrors this movement: formation leads to mission. “There is a time for learning and a time for being sent,” he said, noting that students, like the apostles who spent three years with Jesus, are being prepared to go forth as witnesses.
The Bishop then developed the central theme of the celebration: “Old Boys, Old Girls – Young Witnesses.” He challenged alumni of Catholic institutions to see themselves not as former beneficiaries of the system but as active bearers of its identity in society.
According to him, the credibility of Catholic education is measured not only by academic excellence alone, but also by the moral and spiritual witness of its products. “If after passing through a Catholic school there is nothing in your life that reflects it, then something essential is missing,” he warned.
He urged former students to bear witness wherever they find themselves—in professions, public service, business, and family life—by living out integrity, faith, discipline, and service. He cautioned against criticism without contribution, insisting that true alumni identity is expressed through support, improvement, and testimony.
Values, Virtues, and Formation for Life
Expanding on the philosophy of Catholic education, the Bishop distinguished between values and virtues, describing values as what one considers important in life, and virtues as the moral strength required to attain them. He explained that Catholic schools intentionally shape both through academic formation and daily discipline.
He pointed to everyday school responsibilities—such as chapel duties, refectory service, cleaning, and leadership roles—as intentional instruments for character formation. These, he said, prepare students for future responsibility and witness.
Historical Legacy and Present Challenges
The Bishop recalled the long-standing legacy of Catholic education in Nigeria, referencing institutions such as St. Theresa’s College, established in 1948, which continues to influence generations. He noted that Catholic schools have produced leaders across religious and cultural divides, including Muslims, demonstrating the universal value of their formation.
He, however, expressed concern over declining alumni engagement and inadequate financial support for mission schools. He stressed that Catholic education is not profit-driven but missionary in nature, designed to serve the poor and build society.
He lamented the financial burden placed on mission schools since the government takeover of the 1970s, noting that many institutions suffered decline as a result. Today, he said, the Diocese manages 88 primary schools in need of sustained support.
A Call to Responsibility
The Bishop called on government, Church members, and especially alumni to support Catholic education, warning that without collective responsibility, schools may become inaccessible to the poor.
He urged students to reject examination malpractice, violence, bullying, dishonesty, and laziness, and instead embrace discipline, self-sacrifice, and truth. These, he said, are the marks of authentic witnesses of Catholic formation.
At the close of Mass, the Diocesan Education Secretary expressed gratitude to God for a peaceful academic year, highlighting the absence of insecurity or loss of life across schools. He announced thanksgiving celebrations scheduled across deaneries and thanked the Bishop for his constant pastoral presence and encouragement.
He also appreciated Administrators, religious, teachers, principals, and education staff for their commitment beyond financial reward, as well as students for their participation in liturgy and school life. Special recognition was given to Queen of the Rosary Secondary School Nsukka for their choir, St. Catherine for altar servers, St. Michael's Primary School Imilike Agu, for liturgical readers, and schools from Ogurugu in Uzo-Uwani LGA for their resilience despite security challenges.
The celebration concluded with renewed exhortations from the Bishop, who called for sustained excellence in external examinations such as JAMB, WAEC, and NECO, and greater commitment to moral integrity in all aspects of school life.
As the academic year comes to a close, the Diocese of Nsukka was left with a clear mandate: to form not only educated graduates, but “Old Boys and Old Girls” who become living witnesses—young in spirit, steadfast in faith, and bold in testimony to the transformative power of Catholic education.
Teclus Ike Ugwueze
