By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, one of the most enduring and respected secondary schools in the former Midwest Region, now Delta State, has marked its 65th anniversary with a rich blend of thanksgiving, reflection and forward-looking engagements.
Founded in 1960, the Catholic-owned institution has earned a distinguished reputation for academic excellence, discipline and moral formation. Over the decades, it has produced generations of professionals, leaders and responsible citizens who have continued to make remarkable contributions to Nigeria and the global community.
Among the school’s notable alumni are renowned businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Tony Elumelu; former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba; Major Generals Lawrence Fejokwu and Raymond Ochei; former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, Delta State Commissioner For Special Duties Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, among many others.
The 65th anniversary celebration was thoughtfully designed to honour the school’s illustrious past, celebrate its present achievements and inspire collective action towards a greater future. It also paid glowing tribute to past and present principals, teachers and Old Boys whose dedication, sacrifices and vision laid the foundation for the institution’s sustained relevance.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling and commissioning of legacy projects by the St. Pius Xth Grammar School Old Boys’ Association, underscoring the strong and enduring bond between the school and its alumni. These projects are aimed at supporting the school’s infrastructural growth and academic development.
Activities marking the anniversary spanned two days. On Friday, December 19, Old Boys visited the school for project assessment and later paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Onicha-Ugbo. The celebration peaked on Saturday, December 20, with a thanksgiving Mass at the school field, the unveiling of a statue in honour of the pioneer principal who led the school from 1960 to 1970, and the presentation of a commemorative book documenting the institution’s history from inception to date.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Chairman of the Education Commission, Issele-Uku Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Chuks Ogbolu, described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as a centre of knowledge whose influence resonates nationally and internationally through the achievements of its alumni. He noted that the school’s rigorous formation, once perceived as strenuous by students, later became the bedrock of their success and discipline in life.
Rev. Fr. Ogbolu recalled that from its early years, the school attracted students from diverse parts of Nigeria and beyond, adding that even today, some students travel termly from Europe, as well as from Benin, Warri and parts of the Yoruba-speaking regions, to be educated at St. Pius. He attributed the school’s serene environment and sustained growth to the selfless contributions of past alumni.
While commending previous interventions, he drew attention to pressing needs such as infrastructural rehabilitation, functional ICT facilities to support Computer-Based Testing (CBT), and the urgent need for a school bus. He expressed appreciation to Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei for earlier donations of school buses across Aniocha North and urged Old Boys to collectively provide a new, befitting bus for their alma mater.
He further called for the establishment of a functional alumni secretariat to unify all sets, improve communication, mobilise support and coordinate initiatives such as scholarships, sports development, science and technology advancement. According to him, the combined expertise of alumni professionals would serve as a catalyst for the school’s continued growth.
In his remarks, the National President of the Old Boys’ Association, Chief Barrister Edmund Zealiwe Ojeogwu, commended Piusians and other donors for sponsoring the production of a historical compendium and for financing the 65th anniversary celebration. He described the event as a powerful reminder of shared responsibility and gratitude to the alma mater.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Patrick Ejidoh, said the impressive turnout of Old Boys reaffirmed that the spirit of St. Pius Xth lives on—not only in cherished memories, but in the enduring community the alumni continue to build. He noted that the journey from modest classrooms in 1960 to today’s achievements reflects perseverance, excellence and the strong comradeship that defines the Piusian identity.
As St. Pius Xth Grammar School celebrates 65 years of impact and service, staff, students and alumni have renewed their commitment to preserving its proud legacy while embracing innovation, unity and excellence to secure a brighter future for generations yet to come.
