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ST. PATRICK’S ANTHEM

CHORUS:

Great and glorious Saint Patrick

Pray for your dear children

Great and glorious Saint Patrick

Hearken to the prayers of your children

1. Ireland’s champion saint all hail

With fadeless glory crowned

The children of your ardent zeal

This day your praise shall sound

2. Born on the winds of charity

To Erin’s coast you flew

Bade Satan from her valleys flee

And his dark shrines o’erthrew

3. Wondering thro ‘errors gloomy right

Our fathers did lose their way

You cheer’d their hearts with heav’nly night

With truth’s consoling ray

4. Oh what a harvest crowned your toil

The earth long cur’d was blessed

Each lovely virture graced its soil

The sinners’ heart find rest

With the above refrain by the white-upon white dressed youths of St. Patrick’s College, Emene, a new school day is ushered in.

St. Patrick’s College is located at the heart of Emene town and was the brain child of the Catholic church. It was an effort to provide secondary school that will satisfy the unquenchable desire for western education in this part of the country. It was one of the few such schools undertaken by the Catholic church.

Bishop Shanahan planned to build modern missionary headquarters at Emene. His scheme for the headquarters included among other things a personage, a higher educational institution, a hospital and a convent. A very good start was made by the Bishop’s area representative, Rev. Fr. Davey, whose base was at Eko. In 1919 Rev. Fr. Grendin obtained land to build a school and church. A Father’s rest house was built as well as a government assisted school, called St. Patrick’s School, Emene.

However, unforeseen difficulties arose and in 1926 the desire for the establishment of a Catholic university in the present location of SPSS was brought before the Eastern House of Assembly. The house favored the idea in principle, but the reasoning in private quarters might have been why should a religious body be allowed to establish the first full-fledged University in Nigeria, more so when the idea of establishing the university in Nsukka was already being contemplated. Expectedly, the mute idea of establishing a University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) took precedence. Nsukka o won, Emene lost, albeit not completely. Fr. Davey transferred St. Patrick’s School to Coal Camp, Enugu. Further plans by the Catholic mission to develop Emene were suspended.

In the early nineteen-thirties, Rev. Fr. TJ Brosnahan visited Emene as the Vicar-General. He advised that a government assisted school should be re-established at Emene and Bishop Shanahan’s abandoned plan be implemented with minimum delay. In 1934 with the assistance of Rev. Fr. White, then resident at Enugu, church and school returned to Emene. Thus, St Patrick’s School was restored.

In 1956 St. Joseph’s Teacher Training College (SJTTC) was opened and St. Patrick’s school became a practicing school for Teacher Training College. In January 1960. St. Patrick’s Secondary School was sited on an 85-acre land, opposite TTC with an initial in-take of thirty students. With a land mass of about thirty-two hectares (starting from the old Abakaliki road and dove-tailing into the Railway line), the school is an envy of other schools not blessed with enough land space. The large expanse of arable land, the level and ever-green football pitches, the luxuriant ixora and whistling pines that friendly escort visitors to the school, all add up to the qualities that make the school tick. The pathway that criss-crossthe massive landscape are all adorned with beautiful flowers. Buildings are strategically aligned in their proper places, bringing harmony and scenic beauty to the settings. Most Rev. Dr. Archbishop Charles Herecy opened it as a nucleus of a higher institution of lerning in pursuance of Bishop Shanahan’s laid down policy, although the late Bishop’s dream never reached fruition. When the teacher training college phased out in 1972, its premises became campus II of SPC Emene

S.P.C BEFORE THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR

The pioneer work in St. Patrick’s College was undertaken by Rev. Father Sean Shine, who handed over to Mr. D.G Brayshaw, soon after the site had been given the look of an educational institution. The school started originally with a single stream system but began to operate double stream system of 30 students per stream in 1955 after preparing the pioneer students for school Certificate Examination in December 1954. in the school was laid, partly by late Fr. Hogan, the principal of St. Joseph’s T.T.C, Emene and partly by Fr. Shine, the first principal of the school, with the ultimate view to accommodate a maximum of 300 students.

In 1962, Fr. Joseph Prendergast, a sports enthusiast, was posted from Holy Ghost Juniorate, Ihiala to S.PC. Emene to help influence the whole history and character of that institution and make it a high-pressure institution in Enugu zone until the Nigerian civil war disrupted school systems in the former Eastern Region in 1967. S.P.C Emene reached its glorious age under Fr. Prendergast. It attained and maintained academic, athletic, social and moral excellence.

Fr. Prendergast initiated great schemes of buildings, sports arena, football pitches, orchards to mention just a few. The school made rapid all-round progress. The school science laboratories were richly equipped that the pioneer students were able to use for separate science subjects in the school certificate exams. The pro-war academic performances of the school were indeed excellent. S.P.C. Emene kept brilliant records in diverse fields. Her students shone in sports and soccer in both state and national levels. In sports, the very pioneer students as Teddy Anikputa, Anselm Anikwelu, Anthony Ojonta of happy memory and Oliver Nwosu set individual records, which have not yet been broken in school competitions. The quality of teaching and response by students as well as the lovely scenery of the school premises attracted the attention of both government functionaries and private citizens. Dr. Akanu Ibiam, then Governor of the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria, to mention but one, was an ardent admirer and patron of the school. He was a regular guest at the school’s annual sports celebrations. In 1967, the glamour and splendor of S.P.C Emene reached the zenith, but the unfortunate civil war (1967 – 1970) destroyed the nurtured fame and glory of the school.

The background history of St. Patrick’s College, Emene would not be complete without putting on record the names of teachers who assisted Fr. Prendergast:

  • Breshaw: An English teacher who taught English language and returned to the U.K at the beginning of the civil war and later became an Anglican priest. He acted as a principal at times when Fr. Prendergast was on leave.
  • Luke Agusiegbe (KSM) from Urualla who also acted for Fr. Prendrgast. Mr. Agusiegbe died in 2010.
  • Peter Onwudinjo (KSM): an ex-Rev. Brother who is still resident in Emene.
  • Fred Onuorah from Amawbia: The first teacher at the opening of the college, who taught all subjects except English and religion.
  • Osuoha: The ever-vigilant, self-appointed security man who made sure that St. Patrick’s premises were safe from criminals.
  • Messers AL Ulmar &Tailor: Two American peace corps teachers who helped the school and the boys in no small measures.

Credit also goes to so many ordinary and extra individuals who through their love for the school provided selfless sacrifices to the school. 

S.P.C. EMENE (1967 – 1970)

S.P.C. Emene was closed for normal classes in July 1967 following the outbreak of the civil war in the country. Later, the school became a war theatre. There was a plan to re-open it at Corpus Christi College, Achi. Like a caring father, Prendergast did not give up hope of saving the school. He quickly transferred the school to Corpus Christi College, Achi. Unfortunately, this later action proved to be a panic measure. For no sooner had the school relocated, Achi later fell into federal hands also. Subsequent occupation of other towns in the region sent SPSS and other educational institutions into oblivion.

On cessation of hostilities in 1970, Prendergast left the country for fear of being victimized by the Federal authorities – having played active role in the international effort to save dying Biafran children. Prendergast was by then enjoying his old age in California, USA. Prendergast’s exit in 1970 created an opportunity for the first indigenous principal of the school by the name, Mr. Luke Agusiegbe. Mr. Agusiegbe did not last long in the school. Mr. Agusiegbe left the school in 1970, handing the baton to Mr. Emmanuel Ogwuma. Mr. Ogwuma stayed only one year before handing over to Rev. Fr. Charles Ikeme (a.k.a. Odobro).

EFFECTS OF THE CIVIL WAR ON THE COLLEGE

St. Patrick’s Secondary School Emene reopened for regular classes March 1970, after the premises had slight damage on physical structures but almost irreparable damage on discipline, organization and management. In fact, fifteen years after the civil war in Nigeria, subsequent SPSS, Emene school administrations struggled to bring the school back to its pre-war level of attainment.

The school re-opened in 1970 with many war veterans as students. These students brought indiscipline and lawlessness into the school. Their characteristic behavior tended to jeopardize the school administration. School administration was further weakened by intrigues, maneuvers and out maneuvers in some quarters, resulting in frequent transfers of post-war principals of St. Patrick’s Secondary School. This development in the history of the school helped largely to bring out instability of administration, as most principals of the school due to short tenures were not allowed time to effectively bring many problems of the school to resolution (see Appendix: past and present principals of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Emene).

For nearly a decade after the civil war ended, there had not been any substantial reconstruction or rehabilitation in the school. New buildings were not erected. Old ones were neglected. Buildings started before the war were not completed. The compound wore drab outlook and lacked all the qualities and features of an ideal educational institution: no seats, no desks, no chalkboards, no teaching aids, no disciplines, no order, no organization – practically nothing.

ATTEMPTS MADE BY POST-WAR PRINCIPALS TO GRAPPLE WITH PROBLEMS OF THE SCHOOL

The immediate post-war era of St. Patrick’s College, Emene was an era characterized with problems, which needed firm, tactful, judicious handling by serene and experienced administrators. Unfortunately, most principals who came to this school during that time were either, by design or accident, transferred before they could understand the complexity of the problems, let alone solving them. This phenomenon compounded and worsened the perennial problems of the school. Despite this unfavorable atmosphere, a few of the principals managed to engrave their names in the chronicles of St. Patrick’s College, Emene.

REV FATHER CHARLES IKEME 1972

During his one session tenure of office in St. Patrick’s College, Emene, Fr. Ikeme made a determined effort to reconstruct and rehabilitate the school. He rebuilt the refectory and provided dining tables and forms. He restored electric light in the school. He pursued vigorously Father Prendergast’s policies. He rehabilitated the pro-war soccer fields behind the school, which were turned into arable land after his departure. Fr. Ikeme acquired the premises of the former teacher training college as second campus of St. Patrick’s College. Whether Fr. Ikeme took this step to improve the shattered discipline of the school or whether the acquisition of campus II improved discipline or worsened it, are still up for debate. However, Fr. Ikeme employed all his mental as well as his physical abilities to improve the general tone of the school. But he was transferred just when he needed time and encouragement to stabilize his efforts.

MR. A.Z.K. ORIZU 1973

Mr. Orizu replaced Father Ikeme. Mr. Orizu was magnanimous and full of rich ideas for the school. The Motto: “No Substitute for Learning” which he designed for the school, is a living testimony of his noble ideas for St. Patrick’s College, Emene. By a classical, characteristic maneuver Mr. Orizu was removed after a school term. He had not fully adjusted himself to take off from where Fr. Ikeme had stopped. The efforts of Fr. Ikeme merely disintegrated and sank into oblivion under subsequent administrations. Law and order broke down, rioting became the order of the day. It was an epoch of indiscipline.

MR. RALPH N. IGWEDIBIE 1977 - 1984

Of about fourteen principals that had so far piloted the affairs of St. Patrick’s College, Emene, Mr. Ralph N. Igwedibie had the singular privilege of holding longest tenure of office. This gave him the desired advantage of tackling the problems of the school more realistically than any other post-war principals. Mr. Igwedibie was a giant among giants. He arrived February 1977. He invited all and sundry to join forces with him to redeem the tarnished image of the school. He took personal risks to achieve this noble objective. One of his early appointments was a roving housemaster, who moved with him to Ekwulu stream and to eating houses in town to track down students considered bad eggs. The end of 1976/1977 session saw mass exodus of tutorial and non-tutorial staff who could not work with Mr. Igwedibie as a team. It also witnessed the largest expulsion of students from any school at any time in the then Anambra state school system. This disciplinary measure cleared the way for Mr. Igwedibie to deal effectively with the ills of the school. He achieved an encouraging measure of success in restoring sanity in the lives of the students and in stamping out ‘EXPO’ and other examination malpractices in the school. Mr. Igwedibie carried Fr. Ikeme’s policies of reconstruction and rehabilitation further, leaving behind him, a number of reconstructed buildings and one of the largest examination halls in Anambra state, named aptly “IGWEDIBIE HALL” as living testimony.

REV. BR. FABIAN PETER OKEKE - 1984

Rev. Br. F.P. Okeke is a Marist brother. His religious order turns out teachers specially trained to run schools. His special appeal to conscience since his arrival at St. Patrick’s secondary School, Emene helped produce positive results of making students realize their duty to attend classes regularly and also making students realize their obligation to stay in class. During his tenure, there was respect for law and order. Br. Okeke inspired discipline to learn. Br. Okeke has the singular honor of being ‘Silver Jubilee’ principal of the school. The ‘Jubilee’ principal and his staff worked very hard to give students all round education.

APPRAISAL OF ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE EMENE AFTER 25 YEARS OF EXISTENCE 1960 - 1985

One of the cardinal aims of secondary education in Nigeria is the production of literate citizens capable of pursuing higher education for the attainment of their professional or vocational ambition. In this wise, SPSS has not been found wanting. If one is asked whether St. Patrick’s College, Emene has justified its establishment the past twenty-five years, the answer is a unequivocal ‘YES’. S.P.C. Emene has proudly justified its existence. Before the Nigerian civil war broke out in 1967. S.P.C. Emene had made a name in sports and academics in Eastern Nigeria. The school grew from a student population of 240 before the outbreak of the civil war in 1967 to a staggering student population of 1,300 in 1985. It is pleasant to note that the achievements of the school grew proportionally with its fast-growing student population.

PROBLEMS/CHALLENGES

The size of the school is on one hand a source of its strengths and on the other hand its albatross. A visitor to the school becomes astounded by the porous nature of the school. It is most unfortunate that after thirty-seven years of productive live, the school has not been fenced. The result of this total ‘nakedness’ of the school is most unfortunate. Both legal and illegal persons gain uninterrupted access to the school at any time of the day or night. Nearby residents have also converted school land for their domestic use, where all manner of refuse is dumped. The porous nature of the school has also presented administrative-cum-disciplinary challenges to the school management. First, student movements are a challenge to monitor, as students use any of the numerous ‘Apian Ways’. In the face of this, control and discipline, truancy, lateness, gallivanting, theft and general sense of insecurity, rare their ugly heads.

Lamenting this situation, Nze Ogbozor, a former principal of the school noted that his major problem in the school was its porous nature. This statement was equally re-echoed by another past principal of the school. Mr. F.E. Okeke. In Mr. F.E. Okeke’s welcome address during the celebration of 1997 inter-house sport competition, he said, “if you look around and feel for the insecurity of the students and property, you may join some of the old boys and challenge the walling of the compound”. The above statement is similar sentiment shared by most lovers of the school. Therefore, it is necessary that those concerned should rally around and see to it that the school is fenced. P.T.A. Emene community, Enugu state government, old boys, voluntary organizations and the Catholic church should come to the aid of the school in this regard.

Another challenge is on the area of accommodation, though not peculiar to the school alone, is nevertheless acute. Classrooms, dormitories, staff quarters are all inadequate. There is no doubt these conditions are obstacles to effective learning environment. Inadequate staff quarters affect regularity of teacher and by extension impact negatively on discipline. Compounding above problems is the dearth or near absence of some vital infrastructural facilities. Such as few books in the library, ill-equipped laboratories and inadequate sporting equipments. Yet the assistance of Old Boys of the school remains illusory. Projects such as fencing of the school, provision of laboratory equipment, classroom blocks are usually executed by Old Boys of a school. We pray that the Old Boys of St. Patrick’s College, Emene get themselves organized and rally round to rescue their beloved alma mater. By doing so, the untapped potential of the school will be fully harnessed. However, it is quite unfortunate that after fifty (50) years of existence, the school has not yet reached its full potential.

THE SCHOOL NEED

S.P.C. Emene urgently need assistance in the following areas:

  • CLASSROOMS AND HOTELS/DORMITORIES: Our classrooms and hostel blocks are in a very pitiable state. Toilet and bathroom facilities for our student population have totally collapsed.
  • LIBRARY AND LABORATORY: The college cannot boast of a functional library and laboratory. The materials in our library and labs have become obsolete, outdated and weak.
  • ACCESS ROADS: Furthermore, the access roads to our dear college is very bad. We thank God that the celebration taking place today, as we gradually approach dry season. Otherwise some of us would have come into the school with canoes. Our access roads need urgent attention.

PROSPECT/OPPORTUNITIES

Allusion has already been made regarding the great potentials of the school. The greatness lies not only on the share size of the school but also the fact that majority of the school land are arable. It is a known fact that staff and students of S.P.C. Emene produce more rice paddies than any other farm surrounding the school. Accounting for about five tons of rice paddy annually. Obviously, a school that possesses such potential has the capacity of attracting small scale farming that will in turn encourage cottage industry in the school. The principal of the school noted this in his address when he said, “the extensive farm land here beckons on anybody for small scale production”.

Secondly, beautiful sporting facilities that are in the school are also a source of strength. The school’s two soccer pitch compares favorably with soccer pitches all over Nigeria. The beautiful and standard size of the pitches did not escape the eyes of the Enugu Rangers Football Club. The Rangers have made use of S.P.C. Emene soccer pitch for their training the past several years. S.P.C. Emene also attracted the attention of Enugu state government and stadium authorities during the aborted Junior World Cup competition of 1995. Therefore, it would be greatly advantageous to the school, fencing and converting these two soccer pitches into money yielding match venue for some of the popular league matches.

S.P.C. Emene is also blessed with beautiful lawn tennis courts all of which have fallen into disrepair. We appeal to our Old Boys and/or any interested individual(s) in assisting the school in reconstructing and putting the lawn tennis court into use for recreation activities.

S.P.C. Emene also possesses great potentials for development. Which is why all hands must be on deck to ensure that the vision Rev. Fr. Shine ignited some years back, rekindled by Fr. Prendergast, continues.

On the 17th of March 2013, S.P.C. Emene marked a major milestone in her life with the commissioning of a multimillion-naira science and computer laboratories. The reality of that day came through the instrumentality of a humble servant of God and a man of the people. He is no other person than Prof. Barth Nnaji, the former minister of power and distinguished Old Boy of this college. The Old Boys of this college – Nigerian chapter, ably led by Chief Clement Okwor, cooperated with Prof. Nnaji in no small measure. Now our school joins the league of elite schools in Enugu state with a modern science laboratory. Our computer department has also received a very huge support from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and MTN group. The NCC gift was attracted to the school through the magnanimity and sacrifice of the same Prof. Barth Nnaji.

The current principle of the college, Rev. Fr. Chijioke G. Ezeh, in his welcome address during the school annual inter-house sports competition, commissioning of the computer lab and feast day celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (Patron Saint of the School) on Sunday, March 17th, 2013, noted that the college was able to record the following achievements over one year he assumed office:

  1. Increase in the moral and religious life of the students with our daily celebration of the Holy Mass and other Sacraments, spiritual conferences, retreats and society meetings.
  2. Teaching and learning have also gotten a very big boost. We have teachers in almost all the subjects. The PTA is playing a major role in this regard.
  3. The principal’s quarter/housing has been renovated but not yet completed.
  4. Development of our rice farm with a very rich harvest and the purchase of a rice thresher.
  5. We have built a website for the college (stpatricksenugu.com) and students are now accessing their academic and term results on-line.
  6. We have started publishing a college magazine – THE PATRIACH. This magazine’s maiden edition was launched last term.
  7. The college is now being guarded by a new security outfit known as OUR SAVIOUR SECURITY.
  8. More rooms/living quarters for Youth Corpers were renovated.
  9. Fidelity Bank offered us a very wonderful package through the provision of bathroom and toilet facilities. This project is currently under construction.
  10. We have installed a television and DSTV set for our students’ weekend relaxation.
  11. We have also provided 500 plastic seats in the hall for our religious and social activities.
  12. The school basketball court has now been renovated.

COLLABORATIONS WITH SPACO-USA FUNDED PROJECTS

  • 1. Donation of 100 3-seater classroom desks.
  • 2. Provision of 5 more 3-seater classroom desks.
  • 3. SPACO-USA sponsored invitation to attend SPACO-USA Biennial conventions (2015 and 2017).
  • 4. Total renovation of SPSS, Emene dilapidated school cafeteria.

ON-GOING COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHER ALUMNI FUNDED PROJECTS APPENDIX:

PAST & PRESENT PRINCIPALS OF S.P.C. EMENE

S/N NAME PERIOD
1Rev. Fr. Sean Shine1960
2Mr. D.G. Braysha (later, Rev. Father)1960 – 1962
3Rev/ Fr. Joseph Prendergast C.S.S.P.1962 – 1967
4War Period1967 - 1970
5Mr. Luke I. Agusiegbe1970
6Mr. Emmanuel N. Oguma1970 – 1971
7Rev. Fr. Charles Ikeme1972
8Mr. A.Z.K Orizu (Late)1973 (1st Term)
9Mr. Osondu Odionu1973 (2nd Term)
10Mr. O. Amu-Nnadi1973 – 1976
11Mr. A.C. Ndubuisi1976 Apr – Aug
12Mr. A.C Ndubuisi1976 Sept – Dec
13Rev. A.M. Onuaguluchi (Acting)1977 Jan – Feb
14Mr. Ralph N. Igwedibie1977 – 1984
15Fr. Chijioke1984
16Rev. Br. F.P. Okeke1984 – 1990
17Mr. B. Ikegbunam1990 – 1991
18Mr. M.C. Chukwu1991 – 1992
19Mr. E.C. Ogbosor1992 – 1996
20Mr. F.E. Okoye1996 – 2007
21Mr. C.O. Ogbodo2007 – 2009
22Mr. P.I. Okolo2009 – 2012
23Rev. Fr. Chijioke Ezeh (Administrator)2010 – 2012
24Rev. Fr. Chijioke Ezeh (Principal)2012 – 2024
25Rev. Fr. Franklin Eze (PhD)2024 till date

COMPILED BY:

Comrade Egbo S.S. (VP 1) & Ref. Fr. Chijioke Eze (Principal)

FR CHIJIOKE EZEH AND ST PATRICK COLLEGE EMENE

I can confidently claim that God endowed my life with extra ordinary providence which has manifested itself in my life and activities. I was ordained a priest in July 4th 2009; and after a year in the parish as a vicar, I was shortlisted by the bishop as one of those for school apostolate. Subsequently, I was assigned to St Patrick College Emene. Deep down me, I was scared because of my antecedents: I was barely a year in the priesthood, no single experience in school administration, I was just concluding my post graduate diploma in Education. In spite of all these, God took over.

I began my service in St Patrick College Emene in August 2010 as the college Administrator. i recall that fateful day I drove into the college by a friend Ezinna Okoye who shared my huge expression of worry at the comatose state of the college environment. The college is located along Emene-Abakaliki old road a couple of kilometers after the former Oye Emene market. The location is perfect for educational activities considering its topography, serenity and accessibility.

But as one approaches the college, one hardly knows that one is going into an educational institution judging from the overgrown grasses that practically covered the perimeter fence at the entrance gate. There was no sign of life at the gate in terms of security. The 180 meters entrance road was extremely waterlogged and inaccessible such that we had a hectic time navigating our way into the college compound. Even the St Patrick statue erected to welcome visitors was highly uninspiring

First impression of the school was indeed devastating, it was better heard than experienced. The infrastructural neglect, dilapidation, decay and looting was so massive of a renowned college that have produced first class personalities spread across the globe.

The type of reception I received by both staff and students flushed away every form of bias I was nursing ab initio. I asked myself a motivational question: Fr Chijioke how do you go about this work now that there are spanner in the works? In life, people will always be faced with tasks. And as I usually told students: “whatever is before a man is equal to that man”. In such situation, the WILL must be the foundation. The next level is the “WAY” which ultimately led me to identify the LOW HANGING FRUITS AND THE HIGH HANGING FRUITS. I began by consulting notable educationists; and indeed I consulted widely and read extensively. I was always present in meetings, seminars and conferences summoned by ministry of education or diocesan education board.

During this period I was privileged to garner a lot of information which became my first raw materials. The parish rectory of St. Joseph Emene was where I domiciled for 2 years until I was able to prepare the principal’s residence at the college. Within the period, Fr. Martin Eneh who was extremely magnanimous in the accommodation and maintenance he gave me, together with his humorous vicar Fr. Rapheal Chukwu made me to get first hand unbiased information about the college. Other prominent parishioners who also doubled as Old Boys of the college gave me the needed guide and right footings. Everybody was happy that the college is back to her original owner – the Catholic Church.

Through my wide consultations, I was privileged to meet people like late Mr. Micheal Ikejiaku, the famous catechist of the parish who was so knowledgeable about the delineation and proper boundaries of the college. He offered this knowledge with back up documents very readily. His assistant who is now the incumbent catechist Mr. Pius Ugwu also offered relevant information and introduced other resource persons like the Onowu of Emene community and an Old Boy, Sir Titus Edeh. Emene is an industrial and residential hub of many industrialists and peoples across the length and breadth of Nigeria. It was also largely populated by Catholics and this could be attributed to the excitement that greeted my commencement of work at St Patrick. Parents and Old Boys could not hide their excitement about the new leadership change, expressing how they can’t wait to see the college return to her great and glorious days. I leveraged on these wonderful privileges.

In this life, failing to plan, launches one into failure. Planning and preparation are two sides of a coin which I never joked with. When a project is borne out of planning, it flows in such a way that people are stunned; insinuating a possible application of magic wand. The name and motto of the college as was introduced by the Irish missionaries was quickly brought back. Over the years, the original name and motto of the college were replaced by names like: Emene High School, St Patrick Secondary School and with motto like: No substitute for Learning. We launched back the original name: St Patrick College Emene and motto: Fidelis et Integra

CLEAN UP AND RECOVERY:
Every assignment before a Man always comes with immediate reachable solutions which is referred to as- The low hanging fruit. Clearing of the college bushy environment took off almost immediately. Unexpectedly, it made such an impact that people are still talking about it till today. God is clean both in and out and we are enjoined to imitate him. The face value of any Catholic school is its environment and it is paramount. Environmental culture were immediately instituted in SPACO Emene. Bushes and farmsteads were cleared and grader caterpillar was hired to level up rough surfaces.
The rate of urbanization of Emene made me to consider securing this special asset of the church. Land grabbers were on the prowl. I learnt that there was a survey done but the document could not be found. I quickly began a search for the document. In the course of searching, I hired the services of diocesan surveyor Sir E.E. Ezeanaka and his companion Surveyor Cornelius T. Ogbu whose men duteously went through the boundaries and reestablished the massive 58 acres college land.
Through the help of a noble SPACO alumni Chief Titus Edeh, the deed of lease made on 8th September 1962 was recovered. Sequel to this, all necessary documentation update was made, even up to Ministry of Lands and Urban development. As it stands now, every document regarding ownership of the college by the church is intact. This is one great feat that can hardly be challenged or faulted. At a point during the process, the traditional ruler of Emene HRH Felix Ugwu under the auspices of Emene Nike Town Union wrote to the bishop and signed by Chief Charles O. Ngwu the president general and Mr. Godwin Nome Secretary General demanding payment of rent arrears.
The diocese invited the officials for a round table chaired by Msgr. Dr. G. Aguigwo, the then diocesan procurator and now the Vicar General. His wise contributions made the dialogue, which was held up to four times very fruitful. We finally agreed that the sum of #3,000,000 will be paid as outstanding rent till date. Within one year the college was able to clear the arrears with receipts of payment intact. A memorandum of understanding was also prepared by our able diocesan legal adviser, Barr Egbuna Chibuogwu (Mrs) and signed by all the parties concerned. Encroachments and other illegal occupations by “area boys” at the back end of the college ceased instantly.

ENTHRONEMENT OF MORALITY
I personalized my assignment in the college. This means that I managed the college as my personal property. That is the secret behind the transformation of the college. The heartbeat of education is Morality and it is promoted through spiritual activities. A school where spiritual activity is not rooted is anything but a place of human capital development. There is no way SPACO Emene will bounce back to limelight without a conscious erection of spirituality. The foundation must be reinforced by rededication of the college to her patron saint- St Patrick. So immediately after the initial physical cleanup, we commenced the installation of true spirituality, a Catholic spirituality, a spirituality that will mold the holistic formation. Our spiritual formation impacted so much on the students such that our enrollment rate increased and the college was taken as a seminary.

The following spiritual activities flourished in the college:
1. Daily holy mass, daily rosary and benediction of the blessed sacrament
2. We published a prayer book known as THE SPACOLITE for use by all the students during prayers and other liturgical activities
3. The college observes full celebration of Holy Week activities and Easter with all the students before the 2nd term vacation starts.
4. Every year we celebrate first holy communion for new candidates
5. The diocesan bishop visits the college every two years for pastoral work, commissioning of projects and administration of sacrament of confirmation
6. There is a functional chaplaincy services for staff and family living in the college; also for interested public

TEACHING AND LEARNING
Any educational institution without decent teaching and learning is very dangerous for any society because a society is as good as the quality of her educational development. We invested so much in improving the quality of education in SPACO Emene. We initiated a very healthy relationship with the School Board and NYSC. Through this relationship we had adequate supply of staff except in areas where supply could not meet, we had recourse through the PTA staff recruitment scheme. With this healthy development, formation in the college became balanced. Morality and quality education became the two wings of SPACO Emene.
The result of this strategy was encouraging: Spacolites started recording excellent performance in both internal and external examinations. The culture of students fleeing to miracle center after SS 2 came almost to zero level. Each year we had not less than 100 students for senior school certificate examinations.
After few year of my service, we initiated TOTAL BOARDING policy and it became fully operational in 2016/17 academic year. I was surprised that we had more than 700 students as boarders.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Infrastructure is a basic requirement for any educational institution. We made it a priority and through the support of some SPACO Emene Old Boys, we initiated an unprecedented renovations and infrastructural revolution.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OLD BOYS
Immediately I settled in the college in 2010, I began searching for the Old Boys having heard earlier on that the college is blessed with many notable alumni among whom is the famous Prof Barth Nnaji. I was able to meet Prof Barth and his joy for the new leadership change in the college was palpable. Through him I was able to reach out to other notable alumni and together we celebrated the college golden jubilee in 2011. It would have been in 2010 but the college was not ripe for it then. The golden jubilee celebration attracted more infrastructural development of which Prof Barth Nnaji played a major role.
Developments in the college attracted the attention of the college Old Boy in diaspora especially those residing in USA; they are known as SPACOUSA Alumni. My administration enjoyed huge support through these passionate group of Old Boys. They sponsored my trip to USA three times to attend their biennial convention and they also furnished the college with infrastructural support.
In March 17th 2020 the college celebrated her diamond jubilee in grand style almost fully sponsored by Prof Barth Nnaji and SPACO Alumni. The event saw our three bishops in attendance, many priests and religious, a good number of Old Boys and many parents, friends and well wishers. That celebration also saw the commissioning of ultramodern one storey hostel/staff building; first of its kind in the college history. They building has the capacity of at least 300 boarders.

RELATIONSHIP WITH PARENTS
Our administration produced a well-structured Parents Teachers Association (PTA) chaired by Sir Dennis Nnamani, a seasoned administrator who gave me full support and through PTA, we were able to improve the quality of the college in both human and infrastructural resources.
The services we were able to render in St Patrick College Emene was a divine arrangement. The successes we achieved was so massive that they will hardly by captured in records, all to the glory of God. We experienced a happy college with both staff, students, parents, alumni etc in one accord queueing behind me in transforming the college. It was indeed a happy experience second to none.
After an almost 14 years of productive service, on Friday 26th January 2024 I received a posting letter to leave the college and it marked the end of a glorious era. I was posted to Christ the King parish Ngwo Uno as parish priest. I pray that the Lord will continue blessing his people through me.

Below are some of our notable achievements:

  • Return of the original college name and motto
  • Construction of 180 meters dual carriage entrance road.
  • Erection of decent statue of St Patrick
  • Major Facelift of the college gate adorned with a symbolic Diamond Jubilee statue.
  • Production of customized college ceremonial uniform (Jubilee wear)
  • Construction of 200 capacity bungalow student’s hostel with staff apartments and restrooms attached (Miracle Hostel).
  • Construction of 400 capacity one storey building (the first upstairs in the college) with staff apartments, conference hall and Priest’s lodge (Diamond Jubilee Hostel).
  • Construction of a decent library complex
  • Construction of the principal’s administrative /classroom block named after Late Msgr. Ugonna Igboaja with his statue. (MUIMAB)
  • Construction of student’s kitchen and food store
  • Purchase of 40kva Lister power supply
  • Purchase of college 608 Mercedes Benz truck and 911 water tanker
  • 1500 pieces of Innoson plastic seats, 25 pieces of staff wooden tables and seats.
  • Donation of 100 pieces of classroom benches and class white boards by SPACOUSA
  • Building of toilet and bathroom facility by a group of like-minds in the alumni led by Sir. Peter Ogwulu
  • Donation of 800 plastic seats and 200 tables by Hon. Primus Odili
  • 5 locations of Water Wells, some equipped with submersible pumps and overhead tanks.
  • Provision of Grass mower, flower trimmer and brush cutters for maintaining the environment
  • TONY AKAEZE best WAEC student award
  • Staff motivation and support. Every December 10kg bags of rice and other condiments are shared to all the staff for Christmas celebration.
  • My Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education Administration (UNN) was achieved within the period

NOTA BENE:
For elaborate information on ST PATRICK COLLEGE EMENE FROM 2010 TO 2024 kindly get a copy of my work on the college titled:
ST PATRICK COLLEGE EMENE: A MISSION IN HUMAN FORMATION AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT

God bless you
Yours sincerely,
Rev. Fr. Dr. Chijioke Ezeh (email: chijieze2001@yahoo.com 08063329007)