By Elijah Ugani
The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, has called on the Cross River State government to partner more actively in building strong educational institutions in the state for her people.
The Bishop made the call on March 17th 2026 during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of St Patrick’s Technical College Ugep held at the school premises.
Represented by the Vicar General Administration, Very Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, the Bishop made the call during homily to declare the celebration open.
In his words “Our past engagements with the government in the area of education may not have been encouraging. However, this moment calls for renewed collaboration. We urge the government to partner more actively with the church in building strong educational institutions for our people. If such collaboration had been stronger over the past sixty years, this celebration might have been even more glorious.
Find full text of the homily “Welcome, my brother priests, distinguished alumni, invited guests, and the entire community of Ugep gathered here today. I also warmly acknowledge the Principal, staff and students of this great institution.
“It gives me immense joy that we have all been called together to celebrate sixty years of faith, knowledge, and technical excellence. This is not just a celebration of time, but of impact, growth, and transformation.
“I sincerely thank all those who have contributed to building this institution. Your dedication and enduring commitment have ensured that what was started sixty years ago has not only been sustained but strengthened.
“On behalf of the Bishop of Ogoja, we reaffirm our resolve to continue promoting and strengthening technical education in our diocese.
“Today, as we celebrate, we cannot fail to remember the inspiring story of Saint Patrick. As a young boy, he was captured from Britain and taken to Ireland as a slave. Yet, in his native land, he later became a priest and eventually a bishop. Because of his earlier experience, he chose to return to Ireland, where he devoted himself to evangelization and education. Through his work and that of his companions, Ireland was transformed.
“Today, Saint Patrick is celebrated across the world, especially on Saint Patrick’s Day, a day that has become globally recognized. His life teaches us that wherever we find ourselves, we must blossom. Even in a foreign land, he became a champion of faith, learning, and human development.
“In the same way, we in Cross River State may be considered latecomers in the area of education, but we must not be discouraged. The life of Saint Patrick reminds us that transformation is always possible.
“I want to commend the Bishop and the Education Secretary for the remarkable work being done in the Ogoja Diocese, not only in schools, but also in churches and hospitals. We have seen how this institution has evolved through different stages to what it is today. These stages remind us that growth requires patience, perseverance, and faith.
“Today, we are not just celebrating success, we are celebrating vision. Education must open our eyes. It must empower us to rise to greater heights and accomplish great things. The Church invites us to encounter Jesus Christ through education, because any true encounter with Christ must bring about transformation.
“Our past engagements with the government in the area of education may not have been encouraging. However, this moment calls for renewed collaboration. We urge the government to partner more actively in building strong educational institutions for our people. If such collaboration had been stronger over the past sixty years, this celebration might have been even more glorious.
“I also call on all alumni to rise and support this institution. Across the world today, alumni associations are key drivers of development. If there has been any division in the past, let this be the moment to unite and build a stronger, more effective body for progress.
“Dear students, make hay while the sun shines. This is your opportunity to grow, to learn, and to prepare for a brighter future.
“Finally, I invite all of us to commit ourselves to greater effort and faith. Like the disciples in the Gospel, who toiled without success until Christ intervened, we too are called to “cast our nets again.” When they obeyed, they experienced a bountiful catch. May the same be your story. As you go forth, may your efforts yield abundant fruit so much so that you will require others to help you gather the harvest.
“May the God who has called you bring to completion the good work He has begun in you, through Christ our Lord. Amen”.