Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

The lion or lioness is the school’s mascot, and pride (a group of lions/lionesses) refers to the students of Loyola Jesuit College.
Vol. 12 Number 16
A Newsletter for Parents
31 July 2015
Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
On July 12, 2015, Loyola Jesuit College graduated an outstanding set of seventy-five young women
and
on challenges and transforming them into opportunities for making the world a better place in
service of God and others.
siblings, extended family members, and friends -were glad to witness it. As the Class of 2015
emerge from the den, ready to face the next stage of their lives with the solid foundation that has been
laid at the den, we wish them a purposeful engagement with life and a fulfilled life. Together with Mrs
Ndidi Nwuneli, the 2015 commencement speaker, we bless them with this prayer as they go forth:
May the Lord's light guide your pathway,
His presence protect you through every valley,
His strength lift you above every mountain,
His wisdom direct you in every decision,
His peace keep you through every circumstance,
And may His love cover you through all of life.
Congratulations to the LJC Class of 2015!
1
From the Principal
Fr. Joe-Stanis Okoye, SJ.
Go forth! Raise the Sun! Make it Shine!
As a popular Nigerian proverb goes, a child sent on a mission by a powerful father always musters
enough courage to surmount any obstacle that he or she encounters on that mission. With gratitude to God
who crowns our efforts and makes them bear fruits in abundance, we are not sending a child into the
world, we are graduating seventy-five strong young men and women who have been nurtured in this den
the
resources that have been invested in our seventy-five 2015 graduates are more than sufficient for the new
The Class of 2015 are deeply conscious of what they have and who they are –and indeed, who it is
on their side—for, both their valedictorian and the entire class promised us as they received their awards
on July 12, 2015,
It is a commitment made by people who know themselves well enough as
well as the enormity of the resources they can muster in the different situations of life. It is a commitment
that has a solid backing, because it is made in and with the assurance and comfort of a sustained friendship
with the one who makes everything possible. So the class of 2015 tells us, “if one day the sun refuses to rise,
we will raise it!” And we believe them. We say to them: “Go forth! If the sun refuses to rise, not only must
you raise it, you must make it shine, and keep it shining!”
Now, we have had a good year, a very successful year indeed! We congratulate both our teachers
and students for their hard work
we also throw in a few other picture and print stories, mostly told by students
themselves about activities that they participated in, both outside and within the walls of the college —
including the stories of some of the feats that they recorded in the last weeks of this term/ academic session.
As we close the “doors” and the “windows” of the 2014/2015 academic year, and as we set our eyes
on the new session that already beckons,
with us to ensure
education as
the personal care that are distinguishing marks of the philosophy
In gratitude to all of you, our parents, for the many ways that you
have supported the college this academic year, we share with you in this edition of The Prid e of Loyola
some
We are grateful to God who helps us to raise the sun and keep it shining.
Glory be to God who has graced us with another successful year!
2
Academic Calendar 2015–2016
Please verify with the subsequent editions of the Newsletter,
as some dates will change.
1ST TERM: AUGUST 31 - DECEMBER 12, 2015
School resumes
August 31
Retreat for Academic Staff
August 31
( @ 9a.m. )
Meeting for Academic Staff
September 1
( @ 9a.m. )
Retreat for Non-Academic Staff
September 1
( @ 9a.m. )
Entrance Exam Forms Activated On-line
September 1
JS-1 and Prefects Resume
September 5
( Checking in: 12 noon to 6.00p.m.)
Orientation for JS-1
September 6-11
JS-3 and SS-3 Resume
September 11
( Checking in: 12 noon to 6.00p.m.)
JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume
September 12
( Checking in: 12 noon to 6.00p.m.)
Mass of Welcome
September 13
Classes Begin
September 14
University Presentations: Vanderbilt University and John Hopkins University September 19
(Parents of SS1-3 students are invited: it is not a Visiting Day)
Mass of the Holy Spirit, Annual Academic Awards, Induction of the JS-1
September 27
(All Loyola Parents Invited)
Independence Day and Memorial of Soala Ben-Kalio
October 1
(No Classes)
First Continuous Assessment
October 7-9
PSAT for SS-2 Students
October 14
(*Wednesday)
A & C Classes Visiting Day
October 18
Career and University Presentations (I)
October 24
(Parents of the SS3 and SS2 students are invited: It is not a Visiting Day)
B & D Classes Visiting Day
October 25
All Saints Day (All-House Feast Day)
November 1
Second Continuous Assessment
November 4-6
SAT-1
November 7
(Tentative)
PTA: AGM
November 28
(All Parents are expected to Attend)
10th Anniversary Celebration of Our 60 Angels
November 29-December 10
Annual Loyola Jesuit College Drama (In memory of our 60 Angels)
November 29
(All Loyola Parents Invited)
End of Term Examinations
November 30-December 4
SAT-2
December 5
(Tentative)
End of Term Activities (Inter-House Sports practice)
December 4-11
Memorial Mass and Procession for our Sixty Angels
December 10
First Term Ends: Students leave for vacation
December 12
Kairos Retreat
December 12-16
Online Classes Resume
Deadline for Registration of Entrance Exam Forms
Online Classes End
All Student Resume (at the den)
SAT-1 and SAT-2
Sale of Late Entry Forms Closes
Mock SSCE begins
First Continuous Assessment
Entrance Examination
SS-3 Leave for Home Vacation
Ash Wednesday
Second Continuous Assessment
SS-3 Resume (Extension Classes/Studies)
Inter-House Sports Heats
Inter-House Sports Day
OPEN DAY
List of Successful Entrance Exam Candidates published online
Three Angels Memorial
Interviews for Successful Entrance Exam Candidates
End of Term Examinations
End of Term Activities
Second Term Ends: Students leave for vacation
Kairos Retreat
Palm Sunday
Easter Sunday
JS-3 Resume (Extension Classes)
JS-1, JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume
Publication of Final Entrance list into LJC
Mock JSCE
First Continuous Assessment
Workers’ Day
A & C Classes Visiting Day
B & D Classes Visiting Day
Second Continuous Assessment
Children’s Day
JSS-3 Leave for Vacation
A & C Classes Visiting Day
Career and University Presentations (II)
B & D Classes Visiting Day
Cultural Day
Career and University Presentations (III)
End of Term Examinations
End of Term Activities
Graduation
Third Term Ends: Students leave
SS-1 Leadership Program
Service Project for SS-2 Students
2nd TERM: JANUARY 2 – MARCH 19, 2016
January 4
(Subject teachers email materials from January 2)
January 4
January 7
January 9
(Checking in: 8a.m. to 6.00p.m.)
January 16
(Tentative)
January 22
January 25-February 5
January 27-29
February 6
February 6
February 10
February 11-13
(Thursday-Saturday)
February 13
February 15-19
(Afternoons: 2.00pm - 6.00pm)
February 20
(All LJC Parents invited)
February 21
March 10
March 14
March 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 30 and 31
March 7-11
March 11-18
March 19
March 19-23
March 20
March 27
3rd TERM: April 7 – JULY 18, 2016
March 29-April 15
( Checking in: 12 noon to 6.00p.m.)
April 2
( Checking in: 12 noon to 6.00p.m.)
April 10
April 11-15
April 27-29
May 1
May 8
May 15
*May 24-26
(Tuesday-Thursday)
May 27
(No Classes)
May 29
(Tentative: Pending NECO Schedule)
June 5
June 11
(Parents of the SS1 and SS2 Students are Invited: It is not a Visiting Day)
June 12
June 12
(Parents encouraged to dress in traditional attire)
July 2
July 4-8
July 8-15
July 10
(Tentative: Pending NECO Schedule)
July 16
July 16
July 19-August 9
3
From the OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL
Three Long Vacation Projects for JS1-2 and SS1-2 Students: Students ar e to complete thr ee pr ojects
during this long vacation. Parents are requested to encourage their wards to complete the following exercises:
1. Every LJC student is to make as many new non-LJC friends as possible: these new fr iends must
have the following three qualities:
i. A good fr iend is someone that a student will be pr oud to intr oduce to the pr incipal as his or
her friend.
ii. A good fr iend is someone that a student will be pr oud and happy to intr oduce to his or her
mum and dad as a friend.
iii. A good fr iend is someone that a student will feel comfor table if his or her par ents wer e to
hear the content of their conversations or a person that his or her parents will be proud of how
they spent their time together.
2. Every LJC student is to remember throughout this holiday that “We are Loyola Jesuit College
students! And we are people of character!” Character is precious, a treasure. Every LJC student
should always protect and preserve his/her treasure and maintain his/her dignity. Our good behaviour
should be such that would always make other people say approvingly, “Which family is that boy
from?” “What school does that girl attend?” “No wonder!”
3. All JS1-2 and SS1-2 students are to do a simple academic exercise:
A. Ever y J S1 or SS1 student should r eview his/her textbooks and notebooks in ever y subject in the
following way:
i. Get plain sheets of A4 paper or any neat sheets of paper;
ii. Write the student’s name, the subject, and the class ( in the 2014/2015 session) on top of the paper;
iii. Draw a table that has three columns;
iv. On the first column, list all topics (and subtopics) that the student is confident that he/she will score
v. In the middle column, list all the topics (and subtopics) that the student knows quite well and can
score about 75% or 90% (but not as much as 100%) if a test were to be set now or in the future;
vi. In the last column, list all topics (and subtopics) that the student is afraid or concerned that he/she
will either fail or get less than 50% if a test were to be set now or in the future.
vii. Each subject is to be reviewed and recorded on a separate piece (or sheets) of paper.
viii. Using both the textbooks and the notebooks, each student should start the review of each subject
from the first term of either JS1 (for junior students) or SS1 (for senior students) up to the third term
of his or her present class (that is, during the 2014/2015 academic session).
B. As par t of check-in during resumption in September 2015, every student commencing JS2, JS3, SS2,
or SS3, will be required to submit these reports (written separately, depending on the number of subjects
the student had studied in the 2014/2015 academic session).
4
THE LIBRARIAN’S CORNER
Books Needed by the Library – 2015/2016 Academic Session
1. Restaurant and catering operations by: Doyin Akin-Bankole Pub. Diamond Publications Surulere,
Lagos. Nigeria.
2. Basic Certificate Catering. A Hand book for basic schools: by Mrs. Jessie Osei Kofi Pub. Rainbow
Publications Limited, Kumasi Ghana.
3. The Theory of catering by Cesrain & Kinton's.
4. Practical Cookery by Foskett, Ceserani & Kinton.
5. Food and Beverage Service by: - Dennis Lillicrap and John Cousins.
6. O - Level and CSE Cookery Angela Creese.
7. The Kingsway Book of Cookery Dora Seton.
8. The students Cookery Book by Ehid O'Reilly Wright.
9. Catering a Guide to Teachers and Students by Igboanbusi, J.N.
10. Essentials of Catering Management by: Omozuwa O.
11. Essential Biology, M.C. Michael, Tonad pub, 2012.
12. Economics, Parkin, Powell and Matthews, Addison-Wesley.
13. Benchmark Economics (“A” Series), Jude I. Oguobi.
14. Round-Up Economics for SSSCE, A.B. Falodun, P.N. Omogiafo & L.C. Ezeaku, Longman.
15. Essential Economics for SSS, C.E. Ande, Tonad pub.
16. College Biology, Idodo Umeh, Idodo Umeh pub.
17. Chemistry, Richard Harwood, Cambridge pub.
18. The International Economics, Kenen, Cambridge pub.
19. Cambridge School Dictionary (low price edition) level 7 and above, Cambridge pub.
20. Study & Master Creative Arts: Learner's Book Grade 7, 8, 9 Cambridge pub.
21. Study and Master Technology: Learner’s Book Grade 7,8, 9 Cambridge pub.
22. Study and Master Agricultural Science: Learner’s Book Grade 10, 11, 12 Cambridge pub.
23. Study and Master Geography: Learner’s Book Grade 10, 11, 12. Cambridge pub.
24. Study and Master Life Sciences: Learner’s Book Grade 10, 11, 12 Cambridge pub.
25. Study and Master Physical Sciences: Learner’s Book Grade: 10, 11, 12. Cambridge Pub.
26. Economics, 3rd ed. Richard Lipsey, A. Chrystal, Oxford Uni Press.
27. Macroeconomics: Institutions, Instability, and the Financial System, Wendy Carlin, David Soskice,
Oxford Uni. Press .
28. Business Economics 2nd ed. Andrew Gillespie, Oxford Uni. Press.
29. Organic Chemistry 2nd Ed. by Jonathan Clayden, Nick Greeves, Stuart Warren, Oxford Uni. Press,
2012.
30. What is Chemistry? By Peter Atkin, Oxford Uni. Press, 2013.
31. Molecules: A very short introduction, Philip Ball, Oxford Uni. Press, 2003.
32. Nuclear Physics: A very short introduction, Frank Close, Oxford Uni. Press, 2015.
33. Microscopy: a very short introduction by Terence Allen, 2015.
34. Physics of your Feet by D. Budker, A. O. Sushkov, V. Demas, Oxford, 2015.
35. Materials: A very short introduction, Christopher Hall, Oxford, 2014.
36. The Oxford Solid State Basics by Steven H. Simon, Oxford, 2013.
37. Essentials of Human Nutrition 4th ed. by J. Mann and S. truswell, Oxford, 2012.
The library would like to procure the latest editions of the above listed books. We also welcome donations of
excellent books that are not on the list, particularly books and audio-visual items that can be used as reference
materials by both students and teachers.
5
PAN AFRICAN MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD FOR GIRLS (PAMO-G)
The National Mathematical Centre, Abuja organized a Mathematics Olympiad for
the
Only 565 students throughout the federation passed, out of the 9,638 students that
participated in the competition.
Conference Centre, Abuja, on
Monday, July 20, 2015. It is noteworthy that our very own Nkata Lewechi (SS3), our best
graduating student this year, topped the medal list in
by Osunde Edugie (SS2) with a score of
45. Behold our Pan African Mathematics Olympians!
Name
Class
Scores
Medal
Nkata, Lewechi
SS3
46
(Gold medal)
Osunde, Edugie
SS2
45
(Gold medal)
Okeke, Precious
SS2
41
(Gold medal)
Iyayi, Ehizele
SS3
40
(Gold medal)
Evuleocha, Urenna
SS3
39
(Gold medal)
Babasola, Emmanuella
SS3
35
(Silver medal)
Ben-Eboh, Emmanuella
SS3
34
(Silver medal)
Kofo-Alada, Ifeyinwa
SS3
34
(Silver medal)
Onyejesi, Neme
SS1
28
(Bronze medal)
Aghaji, Chisom
SS2
27
(Bronze medal)
Dawodu, Taofeeqat
SS2
27
(Bronze medal)
Nwibe, O. Daniella
SS1
26
(Bronze medal)
Ojiabo, Chigozie F.
SS2
26
(Bronze medal)
Onuorah, Ifechukwu
SS1
26
(Bronze medal)
Davies Okerevu. E
SS1
24
(Bronze medal)
In summary, our students won 5 Gold medals, 3 Silver medals and 7 Bronze medals.
We congratulate them and all our mathematics teachers, particularly Mr. Femi Fashotito
(H.O.D Maths), for this outstanding performance!
6
COWBELLPEDIA MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
From left: Munachi Ernest-Eze (JS3), Kamaldeen Raji (SS2) and Ayomide Fadipe (JS3)
The journey to produce the year 2015 best Mathematician among the Nigerian secondary schools ‘students began on
March 14, 2015, a National Mathematics Competition organized by Cowbell in conjunction with Neo Media productions.
Over 34,000 secondary students nationwide participated in the first
and Senior. Six members of the Pride: ANAYO-EZIKEOHA Chukwudi, ERNEST-EZE Munachi and FADIPE
Ayomide (J unior Category ), IYOHA Omonzokpia, RAJI Kamaldeen and UWAGWU Awele (Senior Category) after
being tested and proven internally, picked their tickets by merit to represent the school in the competition. At the end of first
stage, the college produced five out of the eight students that would represent the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) in the
second stage of the competition after emerging with a gallant victory over their peers in the F.C.T.
The journey to the second stage began on 26th July, 2015 in Lagos. This was attended by 108 state champions from
the federation (54 students in the junior category
the Centre of Excellence, in the company of two of their Mathematics teachers, Messrs Fashotito Femi and Nwanji Mbanefo.
At this point, the competition took a new dimension as the champions from the various states were to face a quiz competition
in rather than the written examination that they had experienced during the first stage. Monday 27 th was a day set aside for
familiarization tour of the studio,
The students were grouped based on their performance in
the first stage. There were 9 groups each for junior and senior category. A group contains 6 students. The competition was to
run through Preliminary, Semifinal and final stages.
questions
to be answered in 5 seconds while round two is called 60 seconds of fame. The competition kicked off on Tuesday 28, with a
preliminary stage, featuring 3 groups from each category. The task to produce champion of champions became challenging
and competitive as each student made up his/her mind to emerge a champion.
with the highest point in each group for the Semifinals. Three of our students namely: Ernest-Eze Munachi and
Fadipe Ayomide (junior categor y), and Raji Kamaldeen (senior categor y), enlisted themselves again among
The semifinal of this competition could best be described as the “Survival of the fittest”. It was tough and hot as the
atmosphere was locked up with apprehension. The studio was set on August 1 for the semifinal that was to produce 12 out of
the 36 unbeatable students so far. But to God be the glory that our students triumphed gloriously. The three lions who scaled
through the preliminary stage had finally roared to the final making three out of the best 12 in the country and three out of the
best 4 in F.C.T. The final stage of the competition is coming up in October 2015. Parents of the Pride should watch out for
the broadcast of the competition in soon by leading TV stations in the country.
Congratulations to the Pride and the Mathematics Department!
7
From the OFFICE OF THE VICE PRINCIPAL ACADEMICS
CLASS OF 2015 ACADEMIC AWARDS NOMINEES & WINNERS
(Note: The winner of each award is marked with an asterisk and bolded)
MATHEMATICS: EREBOR Fr eder ick Edosa, *UMEH Obinna Blaise, NKATA Lewechi Ugonma.
BIOLOGY:
ONABAJO Tir eniolu Mor innuolu, ALIYUDA Tr acy Beatr ice, *BAMISAYE Veronica Oluwabunmi.
CATERING CRAFT PRACTICE: NDUBISI Bugaluchi Chinazaekper e, AHUOKPEME Amar achukwu Emmanuela, *BANKOLE Elsa
Ogechi.
ECONOMICS:
FRENCH:
ADEDOYIN Oluwaseyi Mar y, *NKATA Lewechi Ugonma, OSA-IDAHOSA Osamamen Divine.
ALIYUDA Tracy Beatrice, UBA Chidimma Joan, *NDUBISI Bugaluchi Chinazaekpere.
CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES: OLAYINKA Ooreoluwa Oluwajomiloju, *OWUMI Ochuko Georgette-Marie, UBA Chidinma J oan.
CIVIC EDUCATION: OSA-IDAHOSA Osamamen Divine, ALIYUDA Tracy Beatrice, *NKATA Lewechi Ugonma.
PHYSICS:
*NKATA Lewechi Ugonma, EREBOR Fr eder ick Edosa, SANNI Ibukunoluwa Chinedu.
GOVERNMENT:
OYAWOYE Zainab Oluwafifehanmi, KWEMBEH Aondona, *ALIYUDA Tracy Beatrice.
CHEMISTRY: ADEDOYIN Oluwaseyi Mar y, *NKATA Lewechi Ugonma, JOE-NWEKE Ikenna Eke.
FISHERIES: NNYAMAH Chioma Christine, *BAMISAYE Veronica Oluwabunmi, NDUKWE-AJALA Kelechi Favour.
VISUAL ART: *BEN-EBOH Runyi Emmanuella, OKAH Elooghene Kr istine, SANUSI Ayomide Mar iam.
HISTORY:
KWEMBEH Aondona, OYAWOYE Zainab Oluwafifehanmi, *OSA-IDAHOSA Osamamen Divine.
GEOGRAPHY:
OMOLE Korede Oswald, *SANUSI Ayomide Mariam, KWEMBEH Aondona.
COMPUTER STUDIES: OKOYE Chukwuebuka Gabriel, *SEGUN Enioluwa Oluwatomilayo, NWOKOROBIA Ugochukwu Fr anklin.
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE: ILUKWE Lottachukwu Ger aldine, NNYAMAH Chioma Chr istine, *BAMISAYE Veronica Oluwabunmi.
TECHNICAL DRAWING: *DUKE Bassey Olaolu, EVULEOCHA Ur enna Anastasia, UMEH Obinna Blaise.
FURTHER MATHEMATICS: UMEH Obinna Blaise, NKATA Lewechi Ugonma, *EREBOR Frederick Edosa.
FOODS & NUTRITION: OGUNRANTI Oluwatamilor e Omolewa, *AHUOKPEME Amarachukwu Emmanuela, BANKOLE Elsa Ogechi.
OVERALL BEST STUDENT: ADEDOYIN Oluwaseyi Mar y, UMEH Obinna Blaise, *NKATA Lewechi Ugonma.
BEST GRADUATING STUDENT WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT: *EMILANDU Ganiyu, ATEWE Dor cas.
MOST IMPROVED STUDENT: EMEH Uloma Okwuchi, *MBANEFO Chidera Alex, OGUNBANJ O Ogooluwakiitan Elijah.
8
From the OFFICE OF THE VICE PRINCIPAL ACADEMICS
CLASS OF 2015 ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL AWARDS NOMINEES & WINNERS
(Note: The winner of each award is marked with an asterisk and bolded)
PERSON FOR OTHERS AWARD: OMOLE Kor ede Oswald, UBA Chidimma J oan, *CHIMA Chidalu Kourtney.
ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA AWARD FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE: *UBA Chidimma Joan, TITE Onome Chinaza,
ANYIGBO Oscar Chizitelu.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD: NKATA Lewechi Ugonma, J OE-NWEKE Ikenna Eke, *UMEH Obinna Blaise.
BEST ATHLETE AWARD: EVULEOCHA Ur enna Anastasia, *NWAOBA Peter Ogechukwu,
EGBUNA Chukwumaife Jude-Thadeus.
ACTIVITIES AWARD FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE: *ALIYUDA Tracy Beatrice, ENAHORO Eboser eme Olusina,
UBA Chidimma Joan.
ACTIVITIES AWARD IN DRAMA: AHUOKPEME Amar achukwu Emmanuela, OMOLE Kor ede Oswald,
*NWOKOROBIA Ugochukwu Franklin.
ACTIVITIES AWARD IN PUBLICATION: CHIMA Chidalu Kour tney, *CHIEDOZIE Madubuko Daberechi,
OGWUCHE-OBE Ehi, ILUKWE Lottachukwu Geraldine.
ACTIVITIES AWARD IN SPEECH AND DEBATE: NNYAMAH Chioma Chr istine, *CHIMA Chidalu Kourtney,
ONABAJO Tireniolu Morinnuolu.
ACTIVITIES AWARD IN MUSIC: ATEWE Dor cas, ADENIRANYE Adesope Mor ounfoluwa,
*UKO David Chimazuruihenile.
ACTIVITIES AWARD IN SCIENCE: *NKATA Lewechi Ugonma, UMEH Obinna Blaise, J OE-NWEKE Ikenna
Eke.
ACTIVITIES AWARD IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: ASINUGO Chinedu Iheanacho,
*SEGUN Enioluwa Oluwatomilayo, NWOKOROBIA Ugochukwu Fr anklin.
SOALA BEN-KALIO AWARD FOR THE BEST PERFORMING ARTISTE: *UKO David Chimazuruihenile,
IWO-BROWN Aribi Iniabasi, ADENIRANYE Adesope Morounfoluwa.
THE KECHI OKWUCHI RESILIENCE AWARD: CHIMA Chidalu Kour tney, *ATEWE Dorcas,
EMILANDU Ganiyu.
BEST BEHAVED MALE STUDENT AWARD: ANYIGBO Oscar Chizitelu,*NDUKWE-AJALA Kelechi Favour,
SHAIYEN Zachary Shitnaan.
BEST BEHAVED FEMALE STUDENT AWARD: ADUWARI Clar e Elaye, DUKE Immanuella Samuel,
*UBA Chidimma Joan.
STAFF OF THE YEAR
Mr. Anselm OGBONNA; Mr. Gabriel ENOKELA; Mr. Aondoakula AZA;
*Mrs. Sarah STEPHEN; Mr . Tanko BELLO; Mr . J ames AGBO.
LOYOLA PARENT AWARD
Mrs. Olajumoke SHAIYEN; Arc. Emmanuel OLAJIDE; Mrs. Gift NWANKWO;
*Mr. Chijioke ONWUZURIKE; Mr s. Anthonia ONABAJ O; Mr . Olaler e BABASOLA.
9
From the OFFICE OF THE VICE PRINCIPAL ACADEMICS
University Admissions’ Office
What is Career and University Presentation Day?
It is a day when an educational fair is organised by the
quirements of foreign and local universities/colleges,
to enable them make the right choices of universities/
colleges with regards to their intended career. Usually,
the representatives of various universities and colleges
who have been invited talk to the students about their
schools’ programs as well as the available financial
aid; these schools also display helpful materials which
add colour to their space and the entire program.
Last year for the first time, a talk was organised for all
the students on how to build up their profile starting
University Admissions Office and the students found it
very helpful: Selected students of the SS3 class were
A
ll four of our female students who were
nominated were selected to attend this
year’s
Girls
Academy in Rwanda from July 27 to August 14,
2015.
Udobong.
The Science Technology Engineering Arts and
Mathematics (STEAM) camp brings together
120 female students from across eight different
African countries including 30 female students
admissions. The Power Point presentation
was named “Pathway to University Admission”
The following are some of the benefits of the program
of Career and University Presentations: Students
students through a full immersion experience.

understand the admission processes for getting into
these universities.
in all camp activities throughout the

interact directly with the representatives of these
universities: ask questions and are privileged to get
first hand information on these schools.
in order to know
other participants and to enhance their overall
experience at the camp. Finally, participants will
be expected to bring what they have learned
day
and University Presentations days; the first
should attend. The second day is in June
and the parents of our SS1 and SS2 students who are
interested are expected to attend.
The WiSci: Girls STEAM Camp is an initiative
Parents who do not know much about the university
have used this forum to equip themselves
and colleges.
are invited; the students are guided by
the University Admissions Office to learn more of the
university admissions processes.
.
Academy (ALA).
We congratulate our four girls whose
“leadership, vision and interest in STEAM”
earned them this opportunity to broaden their
at this time. You can read more about their camp
experiences in the next three pages.
10
The Kigali Diary: WiSci Girls STEAM Camp 2015
11
The Kigali Diary: WiSci Girls STEAM Camp 2015
12
The Kigali Diary: WiSci Girls STEAM Camp 2015
13
University Admissions Office
2015 Career Week in the Den (JS3 Students)
The Principal pose with guest speakers , counsellors and JS 3 students during the career week
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
On the 14th of May, 2015, Engineer Ogboro Emmanuel gave us a talk on aeronautical engineering. He told us
where he studied and how aeronautical engineering became his profession.
that we needed to study and these include
of the various places where we can work in Nigeria and in other African countries, the United
States, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, etc.
- Hard work
- Love for Mathematics
-Analytical thinking, etc.
We also learnt that the duties of aeronautic engineers include:
- Testing and Maintenance
- Building
- Making models and prototypes
- Construction
During his presentation, Mr. Emmanuel called on a student to read out the Nigerian air-related organizations and
later he told us the remuneration/salary of aeronautic engineers, depending on where each engineer works. It ranged from
about $99,000 to $135,000. The length of study to become an aeronautic engineer overall was about seven to twenty years.
Mr. Emmanuel’s presentation was altogether very interactive, clear, concise and understandable.
Somachi NGOKA
JS3
14
University Admissions Office
COMPUTER SCIENCE/ COMPUTER ENGINEERING
On Thursday, 14th May, 2015, Mr. Chinedu Asinugo spoke to us about Computer Science and Computer
Engineering.
to discover general principles using scientific methods while Computer Engineering involves
using the study of the computer scientists to develop, create and design new inventions to make the world a better
place. Mr.
and diligent. ‘It is not a lazy man’s job’. He also explained that in the first two years of one’s
study, one basically studies principles and in the last two years one begins the real deal of computer engineering/
Science. The subjects required for this career include:
Mathematics
Technical Drawing
Geography
Computer studies
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
A very important thing we
Engineering and Mathematics. With any of these disciplines, one can always be successful and put
three meals on the table for themselves and their family each day.
like eye problems, back aches and extreme tiredness and fatigue is the way forward.
Michael Chiderah ONUORAH
JS3
___________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDICINE AS A CAREER
About ten of us wanted to be doctors but we did not have standard reasons. However, after the talk given
by Dr. Nnalurum Obisike-Oji (Dr. Nana) we have a lot of reasons. The talk was very interactive. She first of all
made us realize that medicine was not all about being in a hospital and seeing patients. She told us that medicine
is derived from a Latin word, ‘Ars Medicina’, meaning ‘the act of healing’. She explained that it is the science
and practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, of diseases. Somto Nwozor asked if Math and Physics were
necessary, and she said Physics
but Math not as much. Dr. Nana told us that the length of study for medicine is 6 years in Nigeria (give or take)
and 4-8 years abroad. For the first four years, you study all the groups and take an exam after each year:
-Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry for the first year
-Pathology, Pharmacology for the second year
-Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics for the third year
-Medicinal surgery for the final year.
After the first four year, you do your specialist year(s) and after that, your year of internship which is also
called “call duty”. After this, she
(“Whiteman's way”) and pre-scientific
re-gaining popularity because doctors are starting to realize/rediscover the importance of herbs and
fruits. Dr. Nana gave us a list of ten top medical schools in Nigeria and abroad. She also explained to us some of
the qualities of a medical doctor which include personal hygiene, dress sense, confidence, meticulousness and
good speech. She then told us that even though medicine sounds very nice, it has its hazards and one of the main
hazards is the risk of contamination. Finally, she told us that what we needed most when studying medicine is to
find our passion and follow it.
Fegor IMIEYE
JS3
15
University Admissions Office
LAW AND DIPLOMACY By Mrs. Ifeoma Ofili-Afolabi
Hon. Bimbo Daramola, from the National Assembly, speaking to the JS3 students on politics during their Career Week Presentations
Mrs Ifeoma Ofili-Afolabi spoke to us about law and diplomacy.
is an
that a person does for a great part of his or her life in
is something that a person does
living, and that person can either
work under someone
profession is a career that a person has been trained to do, for which that person has obtained the skills that are
required.
We learnt that diplomacy is a career in
relations and international relations of the country. An ambassador is anyone who leaves the country to
another country and therefore represents the country outside its boundaries of the country. Mrs Ofili-Afolabi also
spoke to us about the qualities of a good lawyer which includes:
Confidentiality/honesty
Diligence
Hardworking
Good inter-personal relationship
Good communication skills
Mrs. Afolabi said that a lawyer must be
because client’s issues are usually broad.
and a year of law school. There are
cases. At the end of the year in law school,
lawyers. She also informed us that lawyers can work forever without retirement because it is a lifetime
job. She ended by encouraging students that they can be whatever they want to be; they can go to the sky and to
the stars and even bring back the sun as long as they work hard and are determined.
Simisola Agboola [ JS3]
16
University Admissions Office
June 2015 University Fair
The June Career and University Presentation took place on June 13th. Many parents attended, and several
invited institutions were present too. The fair was graced by some of our alumni who came to tell us about their
present schools. Thirteen institutions in all participated.
students make right university choices and to give them general idea on what to expect when they
get to university.
Mrs Shade Adebayo of Edu USA with some students at the university fair
Nigerian National Commission for United World Colleges [UWC]
A presentation on the Nigerian National Commission for UWC was given by Miss Evelyn on June 13th,
2015. She talked on various things such as importance, advantages and how to apply.
The UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace. United World College
was founded in 1962. It was started by a German, Kurt Hahn. It has been in Nigeria for thirty years. There are
thirteen United World Colleges with two
The UWC helps for global movement
is based on personal merit irrespective of race. There is a high academic standard.
One must be 16 or 17 years old to apply to a United World College. Application is through the Nigerian
National Committee. Sponsorship includes colleges, fund raising and the National Committee.
With this, Miss Evelyn ended her presentation and afterward set up a booth for questions and answers.
Onyinye Okoli
SS1C
17
University Admissions Office
Howard University
Our alumnus, Lucia Ufio, started her presentation by greeting us as “The Pride”. We, the students, being
excited that LJC blood was still in her, echoed back, “Of Loyola”. She introduced herself although we already
knew who she was and she told us that she was talking about her life in Howard University.
Howard University also
of which are obviously mainly blacks.
and Black Movement. Howard University also stands for Black Power and Black Pride.
Alumin Lucia Ufio ( L) with Mr Ojiabo and his daughter making inquire during the second part of the University fair.
The university is located in Washington DC which provides many places of beauty and activity to be
toured and explored. The location
The activities there include clubs (writing, dance, theatre, art etc.), sports (football, basketball etc.)
and the school’s very own radio stations.
Academically, Howard University offers its students a choice of courses to study. They include choices
from the Colleges of Art and Science, Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Social Work, Engineering,
Architecture and Computer Science.
For a student to gain admission into Howard University, the requirements are “Common App”, the $45
application fee, one letter of recommendation from a teacher, SAT scores, school transcript, WAEC result,
TOEFL scores etc. Very high scores in school transcript, SAT, WAEC and a good ‘Common App” essay will
qualify a student for the merit-based scholarship.
Nnamdi Azikiwe
Phylicia Rashad
Allison Madueke
Sean John Combs a.k.a. P. Diddy
Agbugba Christabel
SS1C
18
University Admissions Office
University of South Florida
On the 13th of June 2015, one of our Loyola Jesuit College alumni, Victoria Okeke,
was invited to give us a talk on her current university, the University of South Florida.
Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota Manatee. She added that she was going to
talk to us about the branch of the university in which she is studying, which is in Tampa.
Victoria then said that as a result of the school being owned by the state, the financial
aid is not much. She outlined the various colleges and courses that could be studied there
and she added that the school is highly recommended for student on the ‘Pre-Med/Health’
track. Victoria emphasized that the University of Florida particularly appreciates cultural
diversity. Thus, the university readily grants admission to international students.
The talk was a very interesting and enlightening experience. I thank Victoria and
everyone that took time to
To thank them I say ‘God Bless!’
Udoyeh Adaku
SS1
19
University Admissions Office
LJC Pathway to University Admission
Life After Loyola
“Where do I study?”, “What do I study?”, “For how long?”, “How much does it cost?”, “What happens after LJC?”,
“What do I have to get to where I need to be?” It took just about 30 minutes of advice from our fully baked, smart SS3
students for most of these questions to be answered.
As I sat down on a long wooden pew in the chapel, it did not even dawn on me that the only thing standing between
the gates of an institution of higher learning and me is a maximum of eight hundred days.
This may sound silly, but most of the time in my junior years, I thought SS3 students were manufactured and never
passed through six rigorous years of education. I believed that letters of acceptance into universities just fell from the
sky and landed on their navy blue skirts and trousers clad laps on the day of graduation.
Some SS3 students along with Ms Agbasi, our ever able and indefatigable Guidance Counsellor, turned what would
usually be a boring university fair into a lively educative session about our future.
We were told about the different paths we can take to reach our dream universities. We could go the straightway or
divert a little down the route by either taking a pre-university program like the A levels or International Baccalaureate
or a Gap Year where we can engage in new, out-of-the-ordinary activities.
They explained to us the need to consult our parents with regards to our lives after Loyola, and they drove home the
fact that it was our lives so we should do what we would be comfortable in and proud of.
We learnt about the typical application format. The transcript which displays to the world, your academic life in the
school so far; your resume, a mirror reflecting other aspects of your six years in the college; essays! essays! essays!
tests of your ability to comprehend and express opinions, views and ideas on anything and everything our society has
to offer; exams which are like your tickets to the university. We were told it is necessary for us to know the exam we
will want to write and to begin preparing
to write a varying length of exams depending on the requirements of the schools that we are applying to;
Physical interviews could also be part of the school’s package. We were educated also on the essence and importance
of scholarships. Every year many students have to give up their admission because they cannot afford the fees.
The presentation had something for everyone. For those who desired the American dream, the SAT exam is the real
deal. We were given useful tips on how to pass such as starting early to practice for the test, going for SAT lessons
and of course, prayer. We discovered also that most American colleges love extra-curricular activities; everyone
wants a Michael Jordan in their university. Mrs Smith, our lovely and elegant English teacher, also talked to us about
writing proper essays. She gave us the tricks of the trade.
in check so as not to miss any deadlines. We were also required to apply to as many schools as possible
and NEVER underestimate ourselves.
For those who wanted to experience Canada, the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) would become our
best friends.
Anyone who wanted to rub shoulders with the Europeans was welcomed to consider Cambridge and for us who were
feeling a bit patriotic, WAEC and UTME examinations were just what the doctor prescribed.
The Common App website, we were told, is what will help us get through the phase of applying to universities. From
pre-professional degrees to essays, it has it all and opens on January 15th 2016 for all those interested.
The SS3 students made it clear that most schools were picky
was a crucial part of the application process. It involves filling very large and sensitive forms, such as
ISFAA, CSS, FAFSA and tax payment forms to be filled. But that should not discourage us from still giving it a shot.
SAT preparatory booklets were distributed to jumpstart our desire to do well on the test. The SS3 students as well as
Mrs. Agbasi were patient enough to answer questions on anything the minds of the students present at the fair could
cook up.
As evening classes were fast approaching, we had to end the engaging discussion and cap it all with a closing prayer.
Thank you Ms Angela Agbasi for all this exposure you have given to us early enough to make us ever ready for our
University Admission.
This fair has helped me to understand that everything we do behind the four walls of the den counts irrespective of
how little it may seem. It is one thing to live after Loyola, and it is another thing to have a life. If we want a life after
the college, then we have to make sure our lives here now matter.
Chisom Ezeifemelu (SS1B)
20
University Admissions Office
University Admission
PSAT/NMQST: This examination will take place on the 14th of October 2015 for the
present SS1 students.
and [email protected] for easy documentation.
Account Name: Loyola Jesuit College
Account Number: 5090204845
Bank: Fidelity Bank
____________________________________________________________________________
SAT: Parents of the present SS2 students are advised to start discussing about SAT
with their children, viz: the type (SAT 1 & 2), dates (November, December 2015 or January 2016). The total fee for SAT 1 and 2 is $130 each. After payment, kindly scan your
teller to [email protected] and [email protected] for easy documentation.
Account Name: Loyola Jesuit College
Account Number: 0150847969
Bank: GTBank
_____________________________________________________________________________
TOEFL: This test will take place in October and November, 2015. Parents of the present SS2 students who wish to write this exam are advised to make payment for this exam between now and September. The total fee is $270. After payment, kindly scan your
Account Name: Loyola Jesuit College
Account Number: 0150847969
Bank: GTBank
Note: The acceptable means of admission into the examination hall for the above
tests is a valid International Passport. All payments regarding the above examinations
should be made to the college in US dollars ONLY. The deadline for all the above mentioned exams will be in September 14, 2015.
21
Reflections at the Graduation Mass at Loyola Jesuit College, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja,
by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, on Sunday, July 12 th, 2015
Today’s first reading should make a lot of sense to us as Nigerians where for now, where you come from is
very important in how people perceive you and what role they even think you can play in society. It is not only
the people of Anambra that want to decide which prisoners to receive, there are those today who wish to decide
who can serve as a
in their diocese, their Principal, the Bursar or their Senior Prefect or whatever you call them here in your
school. Like good old Amaziah, the prophet in today’s readings, the reasons are often personal, very little to do
with the common good. Amaziah was defending his territory and power base from what he saw as intrusion.
Often, in terms of those who lead us, we might say, we prefer someone from our faith, someone from our tribe,
or a classmate, or even my best friend. We believe that outsiders will threaten our interests or even destroy
them. However, this is often an excuse to cover our own inadequacy and insecurity. For example, a student who
is ill prepared for his or her examination, or for an interview would really be happy if the supervisor turned out
to be a family friend.
or invigilator is. If you are honest, it does not matter who is at the head.
When I was a Parish priest in Kaduna, often, after the release of the results of the WAEC examinations, I would
ask the mother of a Mass server or one of the young people I knew who had sat for the examination; how did
John do? They would often say, Father, don’t mind those foolish WAEC people. They failed my pickin. She would often add,
But we are waiting to for NECO. (NECO was often considered a slightly easier examination to pass). If on the other hand,
the child does well, mothers would often wave joyfully, Father, m y pickin cleared WAEC! My pickin pass WAEC
well well. When pickin fails, it is foolish WAEC that failed them, but when they pass, honour goes to them. We are often
looking for excuses for our failures.
22
Today, we are celebrating the joy of those of you who have been lucky to successfully finish the first major step
of your education.
to other things in life. Whether WAEC will pass or fail you, we will have to wait to hear from your
mothers later on in the year. But, you have the assurances of my good wishes for the future. However, as you
bid
some to the United States of America (the country of first choice for Loyola alumni, I imagine), the
United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. Others will go to Ghana, Malaysia or remain in Nigeria. I imagine it
all depends on the depth of the pockets and the ambitions of your parents.
However, there is need to pause and think. I am not sure how many of you will see one another again. If you
organise a good Alumni programme, then it is likely that by the grace of God, many, the Class of 2015 will meet
in a re-union. While we gaze into the future, let me tell you a little story about a Rabbi who was a teacher. This
Rabbi was a good teacher but each time he entered the class, he would bow to his students before starting the
lessons. One day, one of his students said to him: Rabbi, you are our teacher and you k now almost everything.
We only stand up to greet you when you enter the class. But why do you bow before you start teaching? The Rabbi said:
Well, I did not know you noticed this. However, despite being your teacher, I bow before you because I know that one of you
may be my Governor, my Senator or my President tomorrow. So, I want you to know that I recognized this well before you
got to the position. Like the Rabbi therefore, I also take a bow, to the future Mr. or Madam President, Governor, First Lady,
Senator, Speaker of Nigeria.
But, as in real life, not all of us will end up as Presidents, Governors or Senators. I will use an example. The story of two friends which went viral recently is a good illustration. It is the story of one Arthur Booth and Ms
Mindy Glazer. I imagine some of you or your parents might have followed the story. Mr. Booth was a brilliant
student who excelled in Mathematics and Science. He dreamt of becoming a Neuro surgeon and he obviously
had the brains to achieve that. His best friend, Mindy dreamt of becoming a Veterinarian Doctor. However, like
you, upon graduation, they parted ways and never met again.
As she grew up, Ms Glazer changed her mind and decided she would be a top class lawyer and not a surgeon.
She rose in her career and became a Judge in Dade County in Miami. On July 3, a 49 year-old gentleman was
brought to her court on charges of burglary. The defendant had bee a serial criminal of sorts, addicted to cocaine
and gambling. He was found guilty and after the sentencing Judge Glazer who obviously had recognized the
If you Google the story, you would see the reaction of Mr. Booth who threw up his arms, shouting,
Oh my God, Oh my God! Judge Glazer went on to tell the court how Mr. Booth had been the best kid in the class, how they
had both played ball together and so on, and now this is where it had all ended for him.
As you graduate today, know that you have reached a major junction in your life. It is up to you now to decide
which way you turn, left, right, or if you would go forward. Whichever direction you turn will determine your
future. Your parents have offered you the starting point in life. By coming to Loyola, you have come to one of
the top schools in Nigeria and perhaps the best.
others may offer glass and mirrors of external attraction, Loyola offers you a moral backbone which,
if you nurture, will enable you stand erect along with the best in the rest in the world.
You are now walking right into the world, away from the security of parents and schoolmates. You will have
more freedom now.
Here, I wish to turn to the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama for inspiration.
On May 25th, 2015,
in her very powerful speech should speak to you about the future. She said to the graduands like
you: Here at Oberlin, Ohio, m ost of the time you’re probably surrounded by folks who share your beliefs. But out in
the
So if you want to change their minds, if you want to work with them to move this country forward, you
can’t just shut them out. You have to persuade them, and you have to compromise with them.
23
It is important that you bear this in mind because almost all of you here come from privileged homes where you
have had things at your beck and call, drivers, stewards, money, toys, holidays, cosy homes and so on. Some of
you would probably have never washed your own clothes, cooked your own food. Although surrounded by
stewards and drivers older than you, most of them old enough to be your grand father, you have learnt o refer
to Papa Ade as Cook, and Mr. Chike as Driver. And so you belt out the orders and throw tantrums over food
that is not well cooked, water that is not hot, drivers that are not driving fast, a car that has not been washed
and so on.
Elite parents believe that their wealth acquired sometimes by hard work or by theft of state resources have
earned a good life for their children.
is a comprehensive insurance policy for their children. Parents believe that apart from their sweat, the
stewards, nannies, drivers that they hire to look after their children are inferior human beings. They do not
teach them how to respect their fellow human beings simply because of status. As such, in schools across the
country, many of these children turn out as spoilt brats, above the law. They do not believe that the red lights
are for them. They do not believe that any rules apply them. They believe they have power over alcohol and
drugs. After his examination, when one of these spoilt kids was asked by his classmates how the examinations
had gone he said: Well, the exam inations w ere hard , but I am not w orried . My dad is w ork ing on my results. He
will sort out the examiners.
Chimamanda Adichie, whom most of you must have heard of, wrote a most timeless piece titled, The Danger of
a Single Story. Among other things, she made reference to her own life, something that is useful for us here. In the essay,
she spoke of her own experience. She said: I com e from a conventional m id d le class Nigerian family. My father
was a Professor and my mother was an Administrator. And so we had, as was the norm, live-in domestic help who would
often come from nearby rural villages. So the year I turned 8, we got a new houseboy. His name was Fide. The only thing
my mother told us about him was that his family was very poor. My mother sent yams and rice, and our old clothes, to his
family. And when I didn’t finish my dinner, my mother would say, Finish your food. Don’t you know? People like Fide’s
family have nothing. So, I felt enormous pity for Fide’s family. Today, some of you have been taught to feel sorry for those
who work as domestic staff in your homes.
Let me end, by once again re-stating that from today, the steering wheel of your life is in your hands now. Your
If you consider this to be a license, an extension of your parents’ privileged lawn, then you might
end up like Mr. Booth above. The choice is yours.
Life is never what we dreamt it would be, but experience based on personal reflections and looking at the lives
of others all the challenges even more exciting. The words of Rudyard Kipling in his famous poem simply titled,
IF, present us with lessons about life. I will quote j ust the first, second and final verses which go as follows:
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
24
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
Finally, I also want to leave you with something someone sent to me. I also find it very useful for you as you
move on in life. It reads:
A tennis racket is useless in my hands. But a tennis racket in Ms. Serena Williams’ hands is worth millions of
dollars. Remember: It only depend s in w hose hand it is in.
A football is just a piece of inflated leather,
of dollars. It depend s on w hose feet it is on.
A rod in my hands will keep an angry dog away. But a rod in Moses'
depends on whose hands it is in.
A catapult in my hand is a toy and it might manage to kill a bird. But a catapult in David's hand was a mighty
weapon that fell the almighty Goliath. Remem ber: It only depend s on w hose hand s it is in.
Two fishes and 5 loaves of bread in my hand is just enough for breakfast for my family. But two fishes and 5
loaves of bread in my Lord, Jesus' hands fed thousands. Remember: It only d epend s on w hose hand s it is in.
Nails in my hands might just cause a temporary injury.
But nails in Jesus Christ's hands produced salvation for the entire world.
It all depends in whose hand it is.
A certificate from Loyola College should be a treasured gift. It is now in your hands. I hope you can use it to
change the world. God bless you.
25
They Will Soar on Wings Like Eagles
It is indeed a wonderful privilege and pleasure to serve as your keynote speaker for the 2015 class of Loyola.
I have always admired Loyola and recognized
did not exist when I was a secondary school student, but I have had the wonderful fortune of mentoring
Loyola graduates and employing them to work with me. In addition, many of them have benefitted from
LEAP’s programmatic offerings.
I would like to start off by congratulating this wonderful set of graduates from the class of 2015. You have made
your parents, teachers and indeed Nigeria proud. You all have a very bright future ahead of you, and can follow
in the footsteps of many who have passed ahead of you. I would like to recognize Kechi Okwuchi who recently
served as the keynote speaker from her university. Her tenacity and fighting spirit challenge and encourage us
all.
As you graduate today, my message to you is to SOAR! This word is taken from one of my favorite
passages in the Bible - 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings
like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
SFight hard against the tide of self-preservation that pervades the younger generation – to think
26
about the other – all of those who cannot have the opportunities that you have had and will have in future.
Commit to figuring out your life’s purpose – why you were born. I can assure you that you were not just
born to go to university, get a good job and get married. You were born for a time such as this and it is
imperative that you figure that out. I am fortunate that I actively sought God on my life’s purpose from a
young age, and he revealed it to me. What makes you angry? What can you do about it? This sense of
purpose propelled me to return to Nigeria when I was 25 to work with Fola Adeola to establish the
FATE Foundation, and then LEAP Africa, when I was 27, and then co-Found AACE Foods and Sahel
Africa when I was 34.
Make the time to volunteer, to support others, to mentor, to serve in your church, your university and your
community. This will keep you grounded and help you to find and fulfill your life’s purpose
O- Opportunity: Carpe Diem – Seize the day. Actively look for opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t waste
engage in study abroad, instead of taking more classes during the summers – engage in internships,
take on leadership roles in your university. Recognize that what will differentiate you from others beyond
grades, is your ability to display life and leadership skills, and the practical experience that you have gained
outside the classroom.
A - Achievement: Leaving Loyola, where you know you are smart, remember that there are many other
smarter people out there, from all over the world.
discipline – financial – be disciplined about how you spend your time and your resources. Surround
yourself with people who share your values. You will have freedom from the strict Loyola rules – but keep
those rules in
to Nmachi Jidenma –
the world rewards grit, perseverance and courage.
R - Responsibility: The last but not the least – remember your responsibilities:
First, prioritize your walk with God. Many of you are going on to countries where attending church and
praying regularly is not the norm, make it your norm. I had prayer partners in college and business
school and they remain my friends to this day.
Your parents
Siblings
Teachers
Mentees
Your country – where ever you go, people will ask you where you are from. Most of the stereotypes that
you will hear about Nigeria do not tell the full story. However, Nigeria needs you to transform this
country. Come back to play your part in healing our land!
Always remember - S- Service, O- Opportunity, A-Achievement R- Responsibility – SAY THESE WORDS WITH
ME! SOAR!!!
Parents – Let your children SOAR
Two quick stories:
and make it your business to become aware of the trends in their sector of interest. Whatever
their pursuit, and interests, encourage them to be the best in this. I will tell you two quick stories that
illustrate this.
27
Leaving Enugu at 16 for the United States, I was going to study accounting. After all, I was good at math
and interested in business. At that time, there were not many options available to us – either you
would become an architect, engineer, doctor, lawyer or accountant. Well, I applied and to the best
schools, and eventually selected to enroll at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
my interests. I quickly discovered that I did not want to become an accountant, after
two summer internships at a top accounting firm. I switched my interest to consulting – which no
one had heard of at the time, and had to convince my parents that it was a worthy profession. They
encouraged me to be the best at it, and I did – I joined McKinsey & Company, the world’s leading
consulting firm. Since then, they have supported every hair brain idea that I have had, even when it
has meant going without a salary for months.
A few years ago, a parent called me to speak to his daughter about her career choices. He said that he
wanted his daughter to join one of the leading consulting firms or investment banks, but that she
was interested in development instead. She had gotten an offer with the Clinton Foundation which
she wanted to take.
I told him to learn about the development sector and recognize that it is one of the growth sectors.
Support the dreams of your children!
Mark Zuckerburg, Nelson Mandela, Yemi Osinbajo and Bishop Kukah.
I will end with two short prayers for the graduates, their parents and the wonderful teachers at Loyola.
May the Lord's light guide your pathway,
His presence protect you through every valley,
His strength lift you above every mountain,
His wisdom direct you in every decision,
His peace keep you through every circumstance,
And may His love cover you through all of life.
An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
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If One Day the Sun Refuses to Rise...
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees,
His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Ms Ndidi Nwuneli (MFR), the
Members of the Board of Governors, the President, the Principal, visiting principals, Vice Principal Academics,
Vice Principal Student-Life, Chaplain, Parents, Staff, fellow Graduands, the “Pride”, Ladies and Gentlemen,
good afternoon.
who would not have been given a second glance by a mere passer-by. Why? Because despite their bright futures,
they could have easily been mistaken as “nothing special” or “completely ordinary”. We can all agree that back
then, no one imagined anything serious of us. No one thought that we could reach the sky, let alone the sun.
In the beginning, no matter how much we pray to forget, we ninety-one were juniors, and like all juniors,
we were shocked to our bones at the sound of the very first rising bell and the speed at which we had dropped
from the high and mighty Primary Six to the low and despised Junior Secondary 1 (JS1), the bottom of the food
chain.
The first of them came in that awakening first continuous
when we discovered that there were positions other than first: dreadful double digit positions
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which were neither on the Honours nor Merit Rolls. Reality had truly dawned.
Another lesson we quickly picked up is that Loyola Jesuit College is the land of the Magis, that is, a place
of the more. No matter how smart you are, there is someone in Loyola Jesuit College who is smarter. No matter
how far you will go to achieve a goal, someone will or has gone farther. No matter how great your achievement
may seem, trust me, someone in Loyola Jesuit College has achieved greater.
physicist, Albert Einstein. He said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep
moving.” We matured from our initial shock, embraced Loyola Jesuit College the best we could and humbly
counted down to a graduation which was years away. Thanks to God we are no longer at that beginning.
In every good story, a humble start is succeeded by an interesting midpoint; the intermediate stage, or
transition if you may. And so it is in the story of the ninety-one. I first realized that our “halfway” had come on
the day I walked into the school after the not-long-enough Junior Secondary Three (JS3) holiday and met one of
my good friends, Ebuka Itanyi. You see, in our junior days, Itanyi’s voice was something like (make squeaky
sound), “Hello my name is Ebuka”, so you can imagine my shock when I went over to say hello and I heard this
“Hey man” (said in a deeper voice).
a series of changes, some more unexpected than others, that helped us on the journey to becoming
our true selves.
We finally entered the senior block – that big building with big people that always seemed to smell better.
But as exciting as it was to enter the senior block, there was still this trepidation, this fear of what was to come,
that lingered inside most, if not all of us, which we tried our utmost best to mask. We had to adjust to our new
classmates and most importantly the new subjects. It was here that we received our first dose of responsibility, a
dose that came quite suddenly as we were made hostel prefects and table heads. It was also the first time that one
of us was shown the gates of the college never to return. But we took each blow with the senior swag that we had
often talked about and longed for as juniors. You know that feeling of having arrived. That is what we thought
being seniors was all about till the Citizenship and Leadership Training or Man O’ War rolled in and we began to
see one another in completely different light: we scaled mountains and navigated forests; no longer did the sun
seem so far out of reach.
content with hiding in the shadows lead others across muddy waters; we watched as Ganiyu, one of our
visually impaired classmates, went through a 10-foot rope high obstacle course without a single complication; we
were sure that all 81 of us were made of tougher stuff than anything thrown at us. We had learnt to, in the words
of American newscaster David Brinkley ‘… lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others threw at us’.
SS2 ushered in the era of ties and scarves. Yes, I am talking about leadership as prefects of the college.
The corridors were filled with chants like “Sanni for Sanitation” and my favourite one “Vote Bello
for bell Oh! “
When it finally ended, those left had to hustle for the next best thing:
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And as for the remnants of the remnants, innovation took on a new meaning as they created their own
groups to head –
or the other. We learnt to be The Pride. And so as the days became weeks, months and years our transition phase
drew to a close. However, our numbers had dwindled but nevertheless, we 79 were soon to move on.
And then came the end. In Physical and Health Education (P.H.E.), we learn that athletes pace out at the
middle of a long distance race but at the last 200 metres, pick up speed and breast the tape. So it was for us as we
reached SS3: the wonder class, the dream of every Loyola Jesuit College student, the last lap. We were floating
on cloud 9,
Aptitude Test (SAT), Test Of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL), Mock, Joint Admissions and
Matriculation Board Exam (JAMB),
Examination Council Senior Secondary Certificate Exam (NECO). It seemed unending, our sun just
refused to rise. The
oil would not be in vain. A familiar caption could not help but come to mind
To make it all worse, our moods were dampened by the loss of some other dear colleagues. Somewhere
in the middle we 79 became 75; however as the days of our countdown eased from three digits to two and finally
to one, we pledged to make the rest of our stay count. The talk about the senior prom began. It was our turn to
chat into the night about prom dresses, suits, hair, nails and the most controversial of them all, dates. It was time
for us to wear our graduation suits and don the coveted cap and gown. We seventy- five were, we seventy-five
are GRADUATING!
Now, when it comes to doing anything- absolutely anything, we take it to the next level. You need proof?
Just hold on. When writing the Standardized Aptitude Test (SAT), a simple 2000 out of 2400 would have done it.
However, Obinna Umeh had something more like ‘The Magis’ in mind when he aced the SAT 1 with a 2320 and
the SAT 2 with a whopping 2390, just 10 points away from a perfect score.
We are a diverse set. As such we have many more unique talents: voices that would put angels to shame
in the persons of Oluwaseyi Adedoyin, Tamilore Ogunranti and Dorcas Atewe. Really, have you met an actor
who can move the audience like Korede Omole?
and David Uko; or an athlete as fast as Chukwuma Egbuna or one as witty as Peter Nwoaba that
would leave you laughing hard on your belly every day? It is sad to accept that I may never meet such a bunch of
talented individuals again.
It has been said when a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing from their humanity. Hence I
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cannot but say thank you on behalf of this class. My first thanks goes to God for seeing us through these six
years of our stay here and making this day possible. To our wonderful, caring and loving parents who have stood
beside us encouraging and supporting us, I say thank you. Now to our teachers (chuckles)…before I express
my gratitude to our teachers, let me tell you something.
Inter-House Sports Competition I would like you to know that it actually takes place more than once a
year: in February which is recorded on the schools calendar and every other day when the senior students have a
Biology Class with we all know who. She unravels the Hussein Bolt in all of us. To our teachers, thank you for
bringing us up to be exceptional young men and women. Thank you for being there for us. To our class teachers,
for teaching us to take our teachers as family, for burning in us the desire to ask questions, for being our spiritual
motivator and for your unebbing words of inspiration, we must say thank you. We also say a big thank you to the
staff of the Kitchen, Production Unit, Clinic, Security and the Maintenance Department for their silent though
profound hand in our success.
Now I have a question. Is there anyone here who likes food, anyone? Everyone who knows me knows
that I have a great appreciation for food. Whether it’s a spicy plate of jollof rice at dinner on Friday or just one
big pot of beans on Monday afternoon, I can never resist. It is so sad because I often think in terms of food. In
fact, as we sat down to write this speech,
school is merely the first course, a small sample that whets our appetites, and prepares us for the main
dish. In the midst of indulging our appetizers, however, we sometimes forget that there is a main course that is
yet to come.
Well, sometime ago, a quote caught my attention, and has stayed with me. Today, I will share it with
you. It went like this, “If one day the sun refuses to rise, we will raise it.” Truth be told, at first, I just liked how
nice it sounded. I mean imagine being able to raise the sun. That would be something. However, now that I know
what it truly means, I have been inspired. To raise the sun is to do the extraordinary, to be outstanding, and to be
better than your best. Simply put, it is to change the world. Yes, I know that statement is overly cliché, but really,
it is the people that no one imagines anything of that do the things that no one can imagine.
I ask you all; take a look at the class of 2015. Aren’t we spectacular? With everything you know about us,
don’t you think we can raise the sun? Yes we can. Why? Because we are game changers, we are catalysts.
Xenophobia, Terrorism, Racism, Theft, Epidemics, and Disasters. Although we pray never to hear of
such things, let alone experience them, it is undeniable that they are taking place in society. And in agreement
with the opinion of Elie Wiesel, Nobel laureate and political activist, the greatest sin we could commit would be
to be indifferent. If these awful things are happening to somebody, anybody, we should put an end to them. That
is raising the sun. That is what we aim to do as we step into the world.
The American author Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you
are born and the day you find out why.”Finding out why is exactly what we plan to do as we go off to various
Universities and colleges to study different majors which will mould us for our careers. We all aspire to be great
men and women, paediatricians, diplomats, designers, politicians, surgeons, and psychologists. And it is these
vocations that will give us our voice in the world.
It has been said and this class agrees that if you want to be outstanding, your footsteps have to be big
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enough to not only shake the ground on impact, but also leave a mark when you move away. So we are
going to be the best at what we do, contribute what we can to save and change the world, one cure for
cancer and solution to pollution at a time. Also, we are going out there to interact with people known and
unknown, amiable and hostile. We will have parties, meetings, conversations, arguments and rallies. It is
in these interactions, these gatherings, that we will play our part in mending the world.
But, it is not just us, not just this
no matter how big or small, privileged or destitute, can make a difference and a change in
this world. After all, if you want to be extraordinary, you have to do the one thing that will set off the
chain reaction of other events that can make a difference, similar to the domino effect. So we will do the
little things as well, things like raising someone’s self-esteem by paying them a compliment, helping
someone stranded on the road to change their flat tyre, giving someone a smile as you walk past them to
brighten up their day, or recognizing the often ignored
To the students that we leave behind, we urge you not to get carried away by today’s celebration.
Your time will surely come.
be ready to raise your sun.
Likewise, each person here seated,
worries, and fears which seem to cast a heavy shadow over us. But we must not sit back and
cower in fear. We must never give up, but rather, we must take on the difficulties bravely. We, ladies
and gentlemen, must raise our suns. Today I ask you a decisive question, “If one day your “sun” refuses
to rise, would you be daring enough to raise it?
My dear Class of 2015, if one day
to raise it?
Thank you.
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Spare Prescription Eye Glasses: All students who wear spectacles must ensure that they
have a spare set at the clinic at all times, in order to forestall any situation of emergency that
could unnecessarily
if any student's pair
it will have to be attended to routinely, that is, when the clinic staff is available to
do so.
First Reunion of LJC Alumni: There will be a grand reunion of all LJC Alumni (2002-2015)
on December 19th, , 2015, at Loyola Jesuit College premises. More details will be announced
soon!
PTA input for school publications:
lights of their
Parents sending forbidden items to their wards: Parents who are in doubt of what items the
college considers
phones. Some parents
do this to monitor their wards from home when they are back to the college. Mobile phones
remain contraband. If at all there is any need to
phone, permission MUST be obtained from the Principal; if not the school policy on
mobile phone will apply.
Email Scam: It has been brought to our knowledge that some unknown persons used an
email account named "concernedjesuitparent college" <[email protected]> to send a
fraudulent message to several LJC email contacts. Kindly ignore that message and any similar
message in the future.
information to members of the LJC community and the general
public.
development and the management welcomes such prompt actions in the future.
Communication to Parents: The college now sends information (emails and sms) to only
those parents who have updated their contact information online as requested during the first
term.
Out of School Permissions:
to fall within their holiday periods. Students’ exits during the session are disruptive,
not only to the students in question but to other students as well. The college does not grant
exit permissions for students to attend consular appointments.
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The Loyola Cup: A Battle Well Fought
The Loyola Cup began on the 31st of May, a tournament where schools across the district compete in the
Den for victory in soccer and basketball, each with its male and female categories. Though our male soccer team
suffered an early exit on the first day, the female soccer team and the basketball teams played hard into the finals.
Basketball, a recent addition to the Loyola Cup events, was the true thrill of the tournament. The real
challenge for the basketball team was Government Secondary School (GSS), Karu. For a long time, we have
known GSS Karu as a school all about its sports. Years of inherited struggles show that their sports teams, both
basketball and soccer, are incredibly difficult to beat. However, our basketball team, led by coach Sadiq Haroll
and captain Aondona Kwembeh, were able to clinch a remarkable and relieving victory, wining by 6 points.
thrashing by the Lions. A spectacular display of teamwork, skill and determination saw our team win a
record breaking 119 to 12 score line, ultimately bringing home the gold medal.
girls won the first match forfeit and the second by a goal from team captain Urenna Evuleocha. The final
was a tough match and the Lionesses played well, but were unable to beat the team from GSS, Karu as they lost
by a lone goal.
The entire tournament ended with the boys’ soccer final, where Cherryfield College took on GSS Karshi.
The first goal from Cherryfield brought them some assurance as they pushed for a second, but they were soon
answered by two professionally executed strikes from Karshi. Cherryfield managed to score a beautiful goal from
a corner kick to equalize just a few minutes before the final whistle and the match was decided on penalties. The shot stopper from Karshi made three sensational saves from Cherryfield’s spot kicks to win the gold for GSS Karshi, which was well deserved.
At the end of the Loyola Cup, fun was promised, and fun we had. Father Emmanuel
went home with a late birthday present from the Basketball Lions and a wide smile on his
face. The Loyola Cup was well and truly, a battle well fought.
Victor Abasiakan Udobong
Class of 2017
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The New PTA Port Harcourt Exco
The president of LJC, Fr. Emmanuel Ugwejeh SJ, with the outgoing and incoming executives of the PTA, Port Harcourt branch.
The Loyola Cup Competition
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The Loyola Cup Competition
Salute to the Champions!
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Prom & Graduation
The wait...
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Prom & Graduation
THANKSGIVING: And...as always, filled with gratitude, we thank God for everything we have received
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The Joys and Rigors of Training for Good Citizenship and Outstanding Leadership
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The Joys and Rigors of Training for Good Citizenship and Outstanding Leadership
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The Joys and Rigors of Training for Good Citizenship and Outstanding Leadership
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The Joys and Rigors of Training for Good Citizenship and Outstanding Leadership
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The Joys and Rigors of Training for Good Citizenship and Outstanding Leadership
Welcome to the LJC “Forest Restaurant”, AKA “Mama-put in the Bush”! Bring your plate, please!
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The Sixty Angels Memorial Staff Quarters...Almost completed!
Thank you! Almost ready for the 10th Anniversary of our 60 Angels! A little more resources and it will be ready!
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Meditations
You are so weak. Give up to grace.
The ocean takes care of each wave till it gets to shore.
You need more help than you know.
(Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī ,1207-1273, Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic )
The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.
And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
(Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ, 1844-1889, English Jesuit priest poet)
Nothing is more practical than
finding God, than
falling in Love
in a quite absolute, final way.
What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.
It will decide
what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read,
whom you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in Love,
stay in love,
and it will decide everything.
(Pedro Arrupe SJ, 1907-1991, former Superior General of the Jesuits)
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