By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu
The Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, has honoured 58 students from Diocesan-owned schools who scored 270 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The award ceremony took place on May 18 at Calvary Chapel, Bishopscourt, Onitsha. The students received Episcopal Educational Merit Award Certificates, cash gifts, and complimentary copies of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, a book authored by the Bishop.
Addressing the awardees, Bishop Nwokolo said the recognition went beyond academic excellence to celebrate resilience, discipline, and moral integrity.
“While we celebrate academic performance, we must ensure that it is morally upright and cultured, devoid of all forms of social vices,” he said, urging the students to uphold godly character and obedience as they advance in their studies and careers.
He encouraged them to adopt three guiding principles: pursue excellence relentlessly, persevere faithfully, and depend on God. These, he said, are essential for sustained success and purposeful living.
The Diocesan Education Secretary, Ven Chinedu Nwadike, thanked the Bishop for creating the platform and commended principals, the Diocesan Education Board, and parents for their roles in nurturing the students.
The event highlighted the Diocese’s commitment to holistic education that blends academic brilliance with spiritual growth and sound character formation.
Ogochukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
