By Praise Chinecherem
Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State has again made a groundbreaking stride in the annals of higher education in Nigeria, floating another tertiary institution in less than one year she founded the University on the Niger, (Uniniger), Umunya.
The latest institution, Gozie Anyachebelu Polytechnic (GOZPOLY), with its permanent site at Oraukwu in the Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has its take-off campus in Onitsha.
The Diocesan, Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, broke the news of the new institution at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, today, Sunday, September 15, 2024 during the collation and installation of archdeacons and canons of the diocese.
According to the bishop, the polytechnic has commenced offer of admission to legibly qualified applicants, adding that the school would start academic activities in a few weeks time.
He described the institution as a citadel of learning where innovation, excellence and character were guiding principle.
“We are committed to empowering you with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for you to succeed in your chosen career, and which will ultimately enable you to make a positive impact in society”, he assured
While encouraging parents and guardians to avail themselves the opportunity of enrolling their children and wards into the institution, Bishop Nwokolo quipped, “We sincerely urge you to encourage your children and wards to embrace the opportunities that now lie ahead.
Rector of the polytechnic, Mrs Hellen Abonye, while clarifying issues concerning the institution, appealled to parents and guardians to help their children and wards explore their passions, develop their skills, and become part of the vibrant polytechnic community.
She listed the following accredited Ordinary National Diploma (OND) as offered by the institution: Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Library and information Science, assuring that with time more courses would be added.
Earier in his sermon during the preceding church service, a guest preacher, the Rector, Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Bronx, New York, Ven Dave Nwanekpe advised the new archdeacons and canons to always show love and unity in their ministries.
He reminded them of what he called the enormity of their responsibility, encouraging them to continuously strive to live out their christian life and objectively express their ministerial callings.
“You must fear God not man. You are called for a higher responsibility for which you should not allow the challenges of the 21st century Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology detract you from your ministerial focus,” he stated.
Nwanekpe who was the retreatant to the collated admonished them that among other things they should love God and take love, unity and humility as their watchwords.
Bishop Nwokolo had while collating the ministers subjected them to various oaths of allegiance during which rites they pledged to be obedient to Christ and to the Church, confessing not being members of secret cults nor being of questionable moral character.
The twelve new Canons include: Rev Canon Emmanuel Eze, Rev Barr Oscar Akabuogu, Rev. Canon Chukwudi Okafor, Rev.Canon Onyeka Onuzulike, Rev Canon Onyebuchi Emefo, Rev Canon Chidi Okonkwu and Rev Canon Maxwell Njoku.
Others are: Rev Canon Robinson Oputa, Rev Canon Innocent Ohaeri, Rev Canon Ananyochukwu Igweaka, Rev Canon Achebe and Rev Canon Johnson Iwuamaeze.
The six newly collated Archdeacons are: Ven. Dr Sunday Achebe, Ven Dr Ebelechukwu Okonkwo, and Ven Benson Okafor.
Others include; Ven Dr Chukwudi Amasiatu, Ven Chukwudi J. B. Okafor and Ven Onyeka Onuzuruike.
