ONICHA-UGBO/Nigeria: St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, celebrated its 65th anniversary with a grand thanksgiving that blended faith, history, gratitude and a renewed commitment to the future of the institution.
The milestone celebration, themed “St. Pius X Grammar School: Then and Now – A Red Carpet Reunion,” drew alumni from across Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside church leaders, community stakeholders, students and friends of the school, who converged on the college premises for the historic event.
A major highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling of a statue in honour of the late Chief James Izah, the pioneer and longest-serving principal of the school, who led the institution from 1960 to 1969. The statue was unveiled by the Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Celebration, Chief Gerry Ossai, an alumnus, who recalled with emotion how Chief Izah personally admitted him into the school.
Chief Ossai described the late principal as a disciplined, humble and outstanding educationist, fluent in English and Latin, whose influence shaped generations of students. He said the statue was erected to immortalise Izah’s enduring legacy, recalling a historic visit to the school in 1964 by Cardinal Montini, who later became Pope, which he described as an early sign of the greatness the school would produce.
Earlier in the day, a Special Thanksgiving Mass was held at the school premises. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Mokwunye drew lessons from the biblical account of the Annunciation, emphasising faith, obedience and the assurance that “nothing is impossible with God.” He described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as an alma mater—a kind mother that nurtures, instructs and guides her children.
Reflecting on his journey from student to priest, Rev. Fr. Mokwunye urged students and alumni to honour both their biological mothers and their alma mater by upholding the discipline and values instilled in them. He praised the revival of the school, noting the growth in student population from about 46 to over 200, and called on old boys to intensify mentorship and support.
In his address, the National President of the St. Pius Xth Grammar School Old Boys Association (SPOBA National), Chief Zealiwe Edmund Ojeogwu, traced the school’s origins to the early 1950s when the Onicha-Ugbo community conceived the idea. He explained that engagement with the Ministry of Education of the former Western Region began in 1957 through Chief S.M.C. Chiedu, culminating in approval by the Catholic Diocese of Benin on November 7, 1959, following the payment of £2,000 to the Catholic Mission.
Chief Ojeogwu said the school was initially sited along the Onicha-Ugbo/Idumuje-Ugboko Road before relocating to its present location. He recalled the challenges during the era of government takeover and expressed gratitude for the return of the school to Catholic mission management in 2012, which he said restored discipline, values and academic standards.
The Principal of the school and Chairman of the Education Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Chuks Ogbolu, described the anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection, attributing the school’s serene environment and steady progress to the selfless contributions of alumni.
Rev. Fr. Ogbolu paid tribute to his predecessor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Banye, for initiating the turnaround of the school from a state of decay, and commended alumni for restoring its lost glory. He said products of St. Pius Xth Grammar School are excelling nationally and internationally, a testament to the discipline and industry instilled by the institution.
While acknowledging the progress made, the Principal highlighted pressing needs, including infrastructural upgrades, functional CBT facilities and the provision of a standard school bus, calling on alumni to sustain their support. He described the school as “a mother that must be honoured.”
Earlier, Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Organising Committee, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, said the celebration was dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of Piusians in government, business, education, the military and community service. He thanked donors, volunteers, the SPOBA National Executive Council and members of the planning committee for their commitment.
The event featured the inauguration of the SPGS Board of Trustees, presentation of a commemorative compendium, adoption of a national constitution, project launches, award presentations and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
Distinguished alumni honoured at the event included Tony Elumelu, CFR; Ibe Kachikwu; Maj. Gen. Laurence Fejokwu (rtd); Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei (rtd); Ndudi Elumelu, OON; and Barr. Andrew Odum, SAN, among others.
Chairman of the occasion and former Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Gerry Ossai, described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as a cradle of character and intellectual excellence, singling out the Class of 1984 for special commendation for its contributions.
The 65th anniversary celebration ended on a note of gratitude, unity and renewed resolve, as alumni and stakeholders pledged sustained commitment to advancing the standards and legacy of St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo.
