11/06/2026
An EDTC team from Spiritan University Nneochi arrived at the esteemed Mater Misericordiae Secondary School (MMSS), Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday, 5th June, 2026 for a guest talks programme with the students. The programme commenced at 12 pm andvended at 1:30 pm.
An EDTC guest talks programme is a co-curricular programme designed to broaden and deepen the knowledge of young students beyond classroom work. The guest speakers were Chidinma Maryann John, who delivered an interesting talk on "Priorities Shape Your Perspective in Life," and Angel Oluebube Sylvanus, who competently spoke on "Discovering Yourself Without Losing Yourself." Wisdom Ezeonye and Precious Issah were the EDTC media personnel who covered the event.
Besides a section of students of MMSS who attended the programme along with some teachers, the Founder/Director of EDTC, Rev. Fr. Dr. Chinedu Nwadike, CSSp. was also in attendance. The programme was organized in collaboration with the Management of MMSS, namely, Rev. Fr. Anthony Obinwa, CSSp. (Principal), Rev. Fr. Nicholas Mbakwe, CSSp. (Bursar), Mr. John Uzoma Innocent (Vice Principal, Academic), Mrs. Angela N. Amos-Kpade (Vice Principal, Administration), Dr. (Mrs) Keynamary Akwuobi (Guidance/Counselling, HOD of Languages and Art), Mrs. Esther N. Ugwu (HOD, Sciences), Ms Gift Ijeoma Obialor (HOD, Management/Social Sciences), Mrs. Lucy I. Ndibuagu (Administrative Secretary), Mrs. Linda Uwadia (Head of Students' Affairs), Mrs. Ezinwanne F. Okeke (Head of Staff Affairs).
The guest talks were products of good research and experience and the audience found them thrilling, educative, and entertaining. The staff and students at the event also participated actively during the question-and-answer period.
"Discovering Yourself Without Losing Yourself"
Angel offered an eye-opening insight on the meaning of self-discovery and losing oneself. She highlighted how discovering oneself means knowing what values one holds in high esteem or believes in, the purpose of one's efforts, and one's capabilities. In like manner, losing oneself is losing touch with core values and aspirations that would have guided one's journey in life because one was distracted by other things that do not really matter, which happens often without realizing it. Angel explained how factors such as social pressure (family, friends, and social media), unhealthy competition and comparison with others, and an undue desire to belong could cause people to lose themselves. It is for this reason that holding on to principles like integrity, respect, and discipline is very important in life. Furthermore, according to Angel, people should always remember that character lasts longer than popularity. In conclusion, her advice was that people should work hard to position themselves well in order to grow and to discover themselves without losing personal identity.
"Priorities Shape Your Perspective in Life"
Chidinma discussed the meaning of priorities and life perspectives and how they influence daily lives. According to her, to remain focused, we need to set our priorities right because when they are not right, life becomes confusing and very challenging. Chidinma offered tips that could help in setting priorities right, which included core questions such as: What kind of person do I want to become? What are my goals in life? What am I passionate about? What truly matters to me in life? In addition, she emphasized the view that the body goes wherever the mind goes and that anything that enters your mind shows up somehow in actions you carry out in life. She pointed out that, likewise, sometimes failure teaches us valuable lessons while challenges make us stronger and wiser, and that, with the right mindset, obstacles become opportunities to improve oneself and shine. In this regard, an attitude of gratitude replaces constant complaining, and instead of giving up easily, we become patient and determined. At a point, we will become too good to be ignored. Chidinma went on to stress the need to check one's distraction to avoid losing one's traction, and that every decision we make today affects our tomorrow. Setting our priorities right enables us to approach life with hope, determination and positivity. Furthermore, as she put it, the true measure of intelligence is not what you remember in the classroom but what you can use your knowledge to transform for good in the world.
Spiritan University Nneochi (SUN)
At the end of the two guest talks, Fr. Chinedu elaborately advertised Spiritan University Nneochi which is owned by the Holy Ghost Congregation, Province of Nigeria South-East. He highlighted the various programs and self-developmental opportunities available to students of SUN. The promotional speech highlighted the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Allied Health and Basic Medical Sciences, and the JUPEB programme. Furthermore, Fr. Chinedu drew attention to the standard facilities, the serene environment conducive for learning, and the strong moral and spiritual ethics existing in the faith-based university.
Vote of Thanks
The Deputy Senior Prefect of MMSS, speaking on behalf of the Management, staff and students, gave a vote of thanks to Rev. Fr. Dr. Chinedu Nwadike, CSSp. and the EDTC team. He expressed interest in having more of such empowering activities in the near future considering that everything they had learnt would make positive impacts in their lives. He also encouraged his fellow students to seek admission in SUN. After his speech, a closing prayer was said.
This report was contributed by Angel Oluebube Sylvanus.
