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By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The Rector of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Pascal Chigozie Okonkwo, has commended the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, for his steadfast commitment to promoting excellence in the seminary.
Fr. Okonkwo described Archbishop Okeke who is also the Proprietor of the institution as a visionary leader dedicated to the holistic development of students, noting his immense physical, academic, and spiritual contributions to the school’s growth.
“In line with our Archbishop’s vision, we continue to uphold a culture of excellence in all aspects of seminary life academics, character formation, sports, and music,” he said.
The Rector made these remarks during the celebration of the Feast of All Saints, the patronal feast of the Seminary.
Highlighting the institution’s recent academic achievements, Fr. Okonkwo announced that all 60 candidates who sat for the last WAEC examination achieved 100 percent success.
He further disclosed that All Hallows Seminary ranked first among the nine minor seminaries in the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province. Out of 54 candidates, 21 earned A1, 28 obtained B2, and five scored B3, with no credits, passes, or failures recorded.
He emphasized that the results were “neither magic nor fraud” but the outcome of discipline and hard work, reaffirming the Seminary’s strict policy against examination malpractice.
While celebrating the success, Fr. Okonkwo also called for assistance in upgrading the school’s Information and Communication Technology facilities, particularly the acquisition of 50 laptops valued at ₦300,000 each.
The event began with a Holy Mass celebrated on behalf of Archbishop Okeke by the Episcopal Vicar of Onitsha Region, Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Okafor. He was joined by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Prudentius Emeka Aroh, and several other priests.
In his homily, Fr. Aroh reflected on the spiritual significance of the Feast of All Saints, describing it as a celebration of “God’s mercy and grace over human weakness,” and a reminder of unity between the Church triumphant and militant. He recounted the story of Adam’s fall and God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
Speaking to journalists after the Mass, Fr. Okonkwo described the Feast as a reminder for Christians to strive for holiness, adding that the lives of the saints serve as models for seminarians pursuing the priesthood.
“We give glory to God for all achievements. The success of our Seminary is a collective effort from teachers and formators to non-tutorial staff. We work together as instruments of God’s work,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to priests, religious, alumni, parents, government officials, and friends of the Seminary for their continued support.
Among those present were the former President of the All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association, Professor Fidelis Okafor, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, who both urged students to remain disciplined and focused.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Hungarian neurosurgeon Dr. Reka Foda and Hungarian priest, Rev. Fr. Robert Kurnyek.
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