The Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Enugu, in partnership with Godfrey Okoye University, held the 10th Graduation Ceremony of the Diploma and Certificate Programme in Catholic Social Teaching, Ethics, and Development Studies for the 2024/2025 academic session at the CIDJAP Complex, Uwani, Enugu today, 4 October 2025.
Delivering the valedictory speech on behalf of the graduating class, the Best Graduating Student, Rev. Fr. Kenechukwu Onoh, expressed deep gratitude to God, the leadership of CIDJAP and Godfrey Okoye University, the lecturers, and all who made the programme a success.
Addressing a distinguished audience that included the President and Founding Director of CIDJAP, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, and the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, ably represented by Prof. Sergius Ude, Deputy Vice-Chancelor Administration, Fr. Onoh described the graduation as “not just a ceremony, but a step into a new stage of discovery, formation, and transformation.”
He noted that the programme had opened the minds of participants to the dignity of the human person, the importance of solidarity, and the Christian call to stewardship of creation. “We have explored ethical frameworks that guide us to make decisions for the common good and learned practical ways to address poverty, inequality, and injustice in our communities,” he said. “These lessons are not mere academic exercises—they are a clarion call to action.”
The priest paid glowing tribute to Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, describing him as a visionary whose pastoral ingenuity birthed the programme in 1989 under the guidance of the late Bishop Michael Eneja. He commended the CIDJAP founder for his foresight and commitment to promoting social justice, integral development, and ethical leadership through education.
Fr. Onoh further acknowledged the fruitful partnership between CIDJAP and the Department of Christian Social Teachings and Pastoral Sociology of Godfrey Okoye University, which, according to him, has enriched the academic and moral formation of students. “This collaboration has given us a platform where faith meets reason and where moral values encounter practical development concerns,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the challenges of their academic journey, Fr. Onoh recalled the long lectures, demanding assignments, and the difficulty of balancing studies with pastoral and family responsibilities. However, he emphasized that these challenges strengthened their resolve and built lasting bonds among the students.
On behalf of his fellow graduands, he extended heartfelt appreciation to their lecturers, administrators, mentors, and families for their patience, encouragement, and sacrifices. He urged his colleagues to see their certificates not merely as academic achievements but as a mission to serve humanity.
“We are called to be ambassadors of justice, peace, and human dignity,” he said. “Our world, marked by inequality, conflict, and moral confusion, needs men and women who embody the principles of Catholic Social Teaching—the dignity of the human person, solidarity, subsidiarity, care for creation, and the pursuit of the common good.”
Fr. Onoh reminded the graduates that their learning must translate into action, calling them to be “voices for the voiceless, defenders of the poor, and advocates for ethical governance.” Quoting Pope Francis, he affirmed, “Education is not just the transmission of knowledge; it is the creation of a better and more humane society.”
Concluding his speech, he prayed that CIDJAP, under the enduring legacy of Msgr. Prof. Ike, would continue to be a “powerhouse for development, justice, and peace,” and that Godfrey Okoye University would keep producing “men and women of character, competence, and conscience.”
He congratulated the Class of 2024/2025, encouraging them to carry forward the values of the programme and to go forth as transformative agents in society.
The colourful event featured goodwill messages, academic recognitions, and moments of reflection on the impact of Catholic Social Teaching in building a more just and humane world.
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