Department of Church and Society, CSN

The impact of Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke’s leadership on education is truly remarkable. His commitment to human capital development and comprehensive human formation has transformed the educational landscape in Onitsha Archdiocese and beyond. By prioritizing quality assurance in both material and teaching staff, as well as investing in physical infrastructure, Archbishop Okeke has set new standards for education. His vision for an educational revolution that educates all three dimensions of man the intellective, the affective, and the operative has yielded impressive result Integral education, as championed by the Archbishop, isn’t a mere buzzword; it is a deliberate and comprehensive philosophy. It recognises that students aren’t mere vessels to be filled with information, but complex beings with intellectual, emotional, social and practical dimensions. Hence, his ideology holds that true education goes far beyond the boundaries of academic standards; it strives to form individuals who can thrive in every facet of life.
Within this holistic approach, the Archbishop places great emphasis on the belief that human resources are the foundation of quality education. He understands that the success of any educational endeavour hinges on the people who facilitate it. To this end, he has prioritised the training and development of personnel. These educators are not only equipped with academic knowledge but also possess the skills and understanding required to nurture well-rounded and balanced human persons.
More so, the Archbishop’s insightful leadership recognises the pivotal role of the learning environment in fostering holistic education. It transcends the mere construction of physical structures; it’s also about cultivating an atmosphere in which students can thrive intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and socially. These revitalised spaces have emerged as fertile grounds for nurturing integral development of each student. Remarkably, Archbishop Valerian Okeke’s vision has breathed new life even into rural schools, enabling them to perform exceptionally well in the educational sector. Schools like St Kizito Girls School in Umudioka, Mater Amabilis Comprehensive College in Umuoji, St Joseph Special Science and Seminary in Awka-Etiti, St John Technical College in Alor, and Archbishop Heerey Technical College in Ogidi, among others, all thrive despite their rural locations.
To ensure that every student, regardless of their background, can access quality education, Archbishop Okeke has initiated various support mechanisms. Financial assistance, scholarships and innovative programmes like “adopt a student” break down barriers that might otherwise hinder students from receiving the education they deserve. This commitment to equal access epitomises the essence of integral education as a comprehensive approach that leaves no one behind. Holistic education flourishes in an environment of excellence. In Onitsha archdiocesan schools, cleanliness is a tangible demonstration of the commitment to nurture students integrally. The commitment to excellence is demonstrated and instilled through the Archbishop’s addresses and exhortations, conferences, seminars and formation programmes held within the Archdiocese. These events instil in students a profound intrinsic awareness that they are expected to excel, and excel they do.
Furthermore, the Archbishop’s strategic partnership with the State has led to positive dividends for the entire State, reclaiming Anambra’s position as a leader in education. The Archbishop’s leadership acumen and emphasis on excellence have truly brought about a revolution in education. It’s no wonder that Anambra is shining most brightly in the educational sector, and education has become one of the state’s best exports to the country and the world. Kudos to Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke for his outstanding leadership and the transformative strides he has made in education.