By Alex Enebeli
A former student of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Obollo-Afor, Enugu State, Noel Alumona, has launched a five-year fund worth N5 million to support students and reward teachers.
The fund, known as the Noel Ifeanyi Alumona Impact Fund, offers scholarships and awards to students and teachers of the school.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school, located in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, is owned and managed by the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka.
The 2026 edition featured three categories: One-Year Full Scholarship Based on Financial Needs, Excellence Impact Awards and Outstanding Teachers Awards.
Six students received one-year full scholarships based on financial needs. They are Chidiebere Victory, Zita Ogbonna, Chukwuemeka Victor, Catherine Egwu, Shadrach Nnaji and Elias Eze.
The Excellence Impact Awards recognised Chukwujekwu Faith as the best student in Science and Martha Odo as the best in Arts and Humanities.
Mercy Nnaji received the Rising Scholar Award, while Faith Agbedo won the Student Community Impact Award.
The Outstanding Teachers Awards went to Mrs Mary Obule, Mrs Elizabeth Ugwu and Mrs Amos-Glory Obinna, who each received N100,000.
Speaking at the launch, the School Administrator, Rev. Fr. Eric Uroko, said the initiative would help indigent students complete their secondary education and motivate teachers to remain committed to their work.
Uroko said six students received full scholarships covering their three school terms, while four others were recognised for their academic achievements and community service.
He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of giving back to one’s roots and creating opportunities for younger generations.
“In Noel Alumona, we do not just see a benefactor; we see a son of the soil who was shaped by activities that took place here several years ago.
“This invaluable exercise he embarked on, starting from today, emphasises his decision that the footprints he left behind should serve as a staircase for those coming after.
“It tells struggling students that their dreams matter. It tells dedicated teachers that their time at the laboratory, library, and classrooms are valued,” he said.
Uroko said Alumona’s journey from the classroom to international platforms had been inspiring, citing his contributions to humanitarian work, youth development and equity.
He said Alumona had supported vulnerable children and children with disabilities through his Hope for African Children Initiative and Boys Champions.
He added that Alumona had also promoted healthy masculinity among young men and encouraged respect for women and girls as part of efforts to end gender-based violence.
Earlier, Alumona, an international award winner and founder of the Boys Champions Foundation, said the initiative was designed to promote academic excellence, reward dedicated teachers and encourage students to take their education seriously.
He said the fund would also mobilise former students to contribute to the school’s infrastructural and academic development.
Alumona attributed his achievements to the foundation he received at the school, describing the fund as a way of giving back to an institution that helped shape his future.
“St. Patrick’s made me. Whatever I see myself doing today is because of the foundation I had in St. Patrick’s.
“If you have ever been in doubt that the work you are doing as teachers is not productive, I think you have one story now to share.
“The work you do here is productive, and we are grateful for the hard work and upbringing you continue to give these children,” he said.
Alumona said his interest in humanitarian work began in Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), when he established his first non-profit organisation, Youth for Change.
He said plans were underway to introduce another award category in 2027 to recognise teachers who had served the institution for more than 20 years.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Amos-Glory Obinna, commended Alumona for the recognition, saying it would motivate her and other recipients to do more.
“I feel so grateful for receiving this wonderful award as the best staff of St. Patrick’s Secondary School. I also want to thank our sponsor for appreciating the staff and remembering his root,” she said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to Alumona by the school in recognition of his generosity and commitment to education. (NAN)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
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