By Praise Chinecherem
His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze has underscored the important role of the church, school, government and parents in the education of children for the emergence of well adjusted members of society.
The cleric declared this in his homily during the dedication and commissioning of the main block complex of St Theresa’s High School, Umunya, Anambra State built and donated by an indigene, Chief John Agulue based in the United States of America.
He warned that university graduates who were products of examination malpractice and drug addiction could never be regarded as beneficiaries of holistic education.
He commended the early missionaries for serving as agents of development and advancement, describing himself as beneficiary of sound education provided by the missionaries.
“University graduates who are products of examination malpractice and drug addiction can never be regarded as beneficiaries of holistic education,” he said.
The former prefect of the congregation for Divine Worship called for promotion of intergral education, while commending the donor of the project, Agulue for his generosity.
Earlier in his address, the benefactor of the facility said his decision to embark on the project was informed by Save-Our-Soul calls from stakeholders as well as his commitment to the future of his people.
He said: “I embarked on the construction of the main school building after receiving numerous calls requesting for my intervention. Besides, I’m committed to making the future generation of Umunya students comfortable in the pursuit of education.
“I recall the story my father told me of how trekking long distances to schools in the past prevented many people from Umunya acquiring education.”
State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi reiterated the commitment of the present administration to lifting people out of poverty in a bid to make the state livable and prosperous.
“Women now access antenatal services free of charge, while public schools are now tuition free in Anambra. Teachers are employed to enhance teaching and learning,” he added.
Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Umunya, Rev Fr Dr John Anosike expressed optimism that the completion of the school complex would afford the students opportunity to excel.
“Students should not be left behind in the present day of technological advancement,” he posited.
School Principal, Mrs Obiageli Odili, in her address, observed that the school did very well in the Secondary School Certificate Examinations leading to increase in the students’ population.
Chairman of Umunya Professionals Association, Prof Anthony Ejiofor, represented by Barr. Onyechi Egwuonwu described the complex as more than just a collection of classrooms, but an institution that would drive development and advancement for the benefit of the future leaders of Umunya.
In their separate good will messages, member representing Oyi constituency in the State Assembly, Hon Innocent Ojike and President-General of Umunya Development Union, Chief Chinedu Ekwugha expressed satisfaction with the construction of a befitting building for the students.
Highlights of the ceremony were the cutting of tap and dedication of the building by the Cardinal witnessed by numerous dignitaries, including Commissioner for Education Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh and the State Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nwadinobi.
