By Alex Enebeli
A former pupil of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Obollo-Afor, Enugu State, Noel Alumona, has launched a five-year fund value N5 million to help college students and reward academics.
The fund, generally known as the Noel Ifeanyi Alumona Impact Fund, gives scholarships and awards to college students and academics of the varsity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) studies that the varsity, positioned in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, is owned and managed by the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka.
The 2026 version featured three classes: One-Year Full Scholarship Based on Financial Needs, Excellence Impact Awards and Outstanding Teachers Awards.
Six college students obtained one-year full scholarships based mostly on monetary wants. They are Chidiebere Victory, Zita Ogbonna, Chukwuemeka Victor, Catherine Egwu, Shadrach Nnaji and Elias Eze.
The Excellence Impact Awards recognised Chukwujekwu Faith as one of the best pupil in Science and Martha Odo as one of the best in Arts and Humanities.
Mercy Nnaji obtained the Rising Scholar Award, whereas Faith Agbedo received the Student Community Impact Award.
The Outstanding Teachers Awards went to Mrs Mary Obule, Mrs Elizabeth Ugwu and Mrs Amos-Glory Obinna, who every obtained N100,000.
Speaking on the launch, the School Administrator, Rev. Fr. Eric Uroko, mentioned the initiative would assist indigent college students full their secondary schooling and inspire academics to stay dedicated to their work.
Uroko mentioned six college students obtained full scholarships protecting their three faculty phrases, whereas 4 others have been recognised for his or her educational achievements and neighborhood service.
He mentioned the initiative demonstrated the significance of giving again to 1’s roots and creating alternatives for youthful 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 mentioned.
Uroko mentioned Alumona’s journey from the classroom to worldwide platforms had been inspiring, citing his contributions to humanitarian work, youth growth and fairness.
He mentioned Alumona had supported susceptible youngsters and kids with disabilities by means of his Hope for African Children Initiative and Boys Champions.
He added that Alumona had additionally promoted wholesome masculinity amongst younger males and inspired respect for girls and ladies as a part of efforts to finish gender-based violence.
Earlier, Alumona, a world award winner and founding father of the Boys Champions Foundation, mentioned the initiative was designed to advertise educational excellence, reward devoted academics and encourage college students to take their schooling severely.
He mentioned the fund would additionally mobilise former college students to contribute to the varsity’s infrastructural and educational growth.
Alumona attributed his achievements to the inspiration he obtained on the faculty, describing the fund as a means of giving again to an establishment that helped form 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 mentioned.
Alumona mentioned his curiosity in humanitarian work started in Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), when he established his first non-profit organisation, Youth for Change.
He mentioned plans have been underway to introduce one other award class in 2027 to recognise academics who had served the establishment for greater than 20 years.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Amos-Glory Obinna, recommended Alumona for the popularity, saying it will inspire her and different recipients to do extra.
“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 mentioned.
The spotlight of the occasion was the presentation of an award to Alumona by the varsity in recognition of his generosity and dedication to schooling. (NAN)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
