By Peter Okolie

A former Acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, Prof. Peter Akah, has urged institutions in the country to prioritise  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Akah made the call in a lecture to mark the 75th anniversary celebration of Bishop Shanahan College (BSC), Orlu, near Owerri, on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the diamond jubilee celebration, has theme, “Honouring our Past, Celebrating our Present, and Inspiring our Future,”.

It was attended by members of the college alumni, students and prominent Nigerians.

Akah, an alumnus of the college, emphasised the need for the institution to continue evolving to meet the changing demands of society.

He called for the incorporating of sophisticated digital literacy programmes and establishment of coding laboratories to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a technologically-advanced society.

“Strategies should be in place to ensure that the curriculum is consistently updated, incorporating critical thinking, problem-solving, and research components that maintain students at the forefront of intellectual and academic growth,” he said.

The former vice chancellor underscored the importance of mentorship programmes, workshops on career development, smart classroom technology and new innovations to maintain the college’s academic track record.

He also called for the construction of a modern sports complex, counselling and wellness centre, among others, at the college.

Akah disclosed that the college had produced 17 professors and five vice chancellors, while a good number had been appointed judges or served in government’s positions.

According to him, there is no area of human endeavours that BSC Old Boys are not doing “fantastically marvelous”, be it engineering, pharmacy, architecture, surveying, civil service, teaching, medicine, religious and traditional institutions or business.

He said the celebration aimed to foster a sense of unity among the community, alumni, and students, and to motivate current and future students on principles that the college had upheld.

In a speech, the National President of BSC Old Boys Association, Hyacinth Mbachu, called for the establishment of more branches in the country and diaspora to foster physical, social interactions among members.

Mbachu commended the Old Boys for embarking on various projects that had lifted the aesthetic value and functionality of the college.

Earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Tochukwu Ukwuoma, urged the alumnus not to lose hope in the face of challenges.

He commended them for celebrating the diamond jubilee and solicited more support from the body to give the college a facelift.

The Principal of the College, Rev. Fr. Chidubem Ohaeri, also assured the association that he would continue to promote morals, character, academic excellence and human development of the students in the college.

NAN reports that the celebration also featured the launch of BSC Endowment Fund, meant to support the college’s development and sustainability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah