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By Akpan David, Calabar
The Global alumni Association of the famous Mary Knoll College which situates in Okuku, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State has completed impacting projects to mark the platinum jubilee of the institute.
His Lordship the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Edet Akpan who was the special guest of honor, commissioned the projects.
The Class ’79 made a donation of 12 computer sets, while the first President of the Alumni, Mr PK Bello made a personal donation of two, 250kva transformers to the college to address the epileptic power supply challenges in the College.
During the grand finale, the projects commissioned included newly built Chapel, E-Library, renovated laboratories and hostel blocks by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Edet Akpan, Bishop of Ogoja Diocese and Proprietor of Mary Knoll College. These projects were fully funded by the Alumni.
There were several other personal and class donations, which focused at benefiting both the school and society other than those of celebratory nature.
The gathering was presided by the outgoing Alumni President General, Sir Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi, (rtd), Professor Anthony Wonah Odaji as Chairman of the occasion and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Amoji Ujor, the college Principal.
They presented addresses and mentioned the great contributions made by the founder of the college and the association.
The one week platinum celebration was organised for what was described as Great Reunion of the Old Boys from 1953-2023 and to highlight 70 years of educational excellence and remarkable milestone of the foremost College in Nigeria.
The alumni paid visits to the Bishop/College Proprietor, leprosy home, held medical outreach, lecture/interactions, novelty football match, Mass, cocktail, dedication of chapel, quiz and debates, presentation of Alumni projects, awards, dinner, focused alumni meets, and gala night.
They also elected new National Executive Committee of the Alumni presided by Chief Joe Agi (SAN) where AIG John Abang (rtd) emerged as President General of the association.
In 1945, the idea of establishing the college in Ogoja Province to cater for the increasing demand for higher education was mooted by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas McGettrick, the founder of Mary Knoll College and on the 15th of January 1953, the first batch of students arrived. Since then, the College has produced the best of the best in different fields globally.
The propagation event for Mary Knoll College, 70th year celebration, was held under the auspices of Mary Knoll Alumni Global Association in collaboration with the college management and active participation from its old and present students including staff of the college.
