By Chinenye Dike
The 6th Matriculation Ceremony of Marist Brothers’ Polytechnic, Enugu, held on April 5, 2025, was an event of academic significance, bringing together a community of scholars, dignitaries, and families. The ceremony, which formally inducted the new students into the academic family of the Polytechnic, was marked by inspiring speeches and thought-provoking lectures.
The event commenced with a grand procession featuring matriculants, lecturers, staff, and invited dignitaries as they made their way to the ceremonial grounds. This was followed by the introduction of the Rector, Rev. Br. Dr. Anochie Okechukwu Venantius, FMS, who delivered the matriculation address, setting the tone for the day. Alongside him were members of the Governing Council, School Principals, and lecturers, all of whom were acknowledged for their significant contributions to the Polytechnic’s growth.
In his address, Rev. Br. Dr. Anochie Okechukwu Venantius extended a warm welcome to guests and matriculants alike, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence and moral discipline. He highlighted the Polytechnic’s achievements, particularly the NBTE accreditation of its National Diploma programmes, and outlined plans for expanding academic offerings, including efforts to introduce Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in the near future. The Rector urged the matriculants to embrace the Polytechnic’s values of integrity, discipline, and academic rigor, ensuring that their time at the institution would shape them into leaders and change-makers.
A notable addition to the ceremony was the address delivered by Rev. Br. Prof. Ekene Osuji, the representative of the Province leader/Proprietor, Very Rev. Br. Dr. Okolo Mark, FMS. In his address, Rev. Br. Prof. Ekene Osuji congratulated the matriculants on their successful admission to the Polytechnic, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping one’s future and contributing to societal progress. He urged the students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them, emphasizing the importance of academic discipline, personal responsibility, and service to the community he wished the new students success in their academic pursuits and personal development at Marist Polytechnic and commended the school for their commitment and growth.
The presentation of matriculants followed, with each student formally inducted into the academic family. Subsequently, the new students took the Matriculation Oath, pledging loyalty to the institution and committing themselves to the highest standards of academic and personal conduct.
A key moment of the ceremony was the matriculation lecture, delivered by Prof. Nnenna Harmony Nwobodo-Nzeribe, Director of the Research and Innovation Development Centre at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). Her lecture, entitled “Artificial Intelligence Applications: Offering Innovative Digital Solutions to Critical Challenges Facing Humanity”, examined the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including healthcare, governance, education, and agriculture. Prof. Nwobodo-Nzeribe encouraged the students to engage with AI technologies and harness their potential to solve complex societal problems. Her speech left the audience with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration for the future.
In addition to the academic highlights, the event also featured vibrant cultural dance presentations by the Polytechnic’s dance troupe, as well as a performance by a group from an invited primary school. These performances added a festive touch to the ceremony, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from Godfrey Okoye University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, among others. Their messages expressed solidarity with Marist Polytechnic and extended best wishes for its continued success. Notably, Rev. Br. Prof. Ekene Osuji represented the Visitor to the Polytechnic, Very Rev. Br. Dr. Okolo Mark, FMS, and also stood in for Godfrey Okoye University, offering heartfelt congratulations and affirmations of support.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Registrar, Dr. Chris Ejeogo, KSJI, who expressed his gratitude to all those present, including the Governing Council, lecturers, guest speaker, dignitaries, parents, and the matriculants themselves. His remarks were a testament to the collective effort that made the event possible and underscored the Polytechnic’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and moral integrity.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Very Rev. Br. Dr. Joseph Chigozie Udeajah, FMS, Chairman of the Governing Council; members of the Marist Provincial Council; Barr. Dr. Chris Igbokwe, and Dr. Engr. Ngozi and other dignitaries who attended as Special guests. Their presence added prestige to the occasion, further reinforcing the importance of the Polytechnic in the academic and social landscape.
The event concluded with a closing prayer and a recessional march, bringing a solemn and reflective end to a day of celebration and new beginnings. The ceremony was not only an academic milestone but also a reaffirmation of the Polytechnic’s dedication to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
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