The Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University, of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has described sports as an activity that can promote national unity and development, harped on the need to promote sporting activities, since it is an inevitable component of a school curriculum.
In his speech at the 3rd Inter-House Sports Competition/10th year Anniversary of the MOUAU Demonstration Secondary School, Umudike, the Vice Chancellor said sports is good, as it enhances social relationship with others, even though it involves competition.
The VC who was represented by the DVC Academics, Prof Udo Herbert, during the event that took place at the School Field, said sports is very vital in one’s mental and physical development and it is very important in every day’s life, because “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy”, adding that the spirit of sportsmanship is always expected during sports, which some have used to make good and everlasting friends.
The VC expressed delight that the school is celebrating her ten years of existence, a journey that started years ago with millions of dreams, hope and immense enthusiasm.
HRM Eze Ben Oriaku House, Lifting Trophy
Prof Iwe noted that it has been ten years of achievements and failures, adding that the anniversary celebrations affords the opportunity of appraising performance and as well, improving and correcting areas of failures.
While congratulating the Management, staff,students and parents for a successful outing, pledged the support of the university in ensuring the needs of the MOUAU DSS is achieved, commending the University management, the founder,as well as the pioneer staff for their doggedness and perseverance to bring their baby school to limelight, stressing that it’s a thing of joy to witness their students participate in both track and field events.
In her address, the Principal of the school, Mrs Clara Okoronkwo, disclosed that the importance of sports in a man’s life cannot be over emphasized, as it makes for proper mental, physical, emotional and social development, maintaining that most athletes in limelight today were selected from school occasions.
According to her, records have it that their students have and are still excelling in academic and outdoor competitions,stating that they competed favourably with other university secondary schools in the federation.
Congratulating the Staff and students of the school on its anniversary, the Principal said the event was set aside to celebrate the school’s 10th anniversary,as well as showcase their love and enthusiasm for sports, promote peace, coexistence, team spirit and great sportsmanship.
The Principal further commended the VC of MOUAU for his unflinching support to the University’s secondary school, applauding the efforts of the outgone VC, Prof Hilary Edeoga for establishing the secondary school.
Giving a brief history about the school, the Principal revealed that the school was founded on September 2011 by the 4th Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Hilary Edeoga,who thought,reasoned and brought the school to limelight.
She said the pioneer principal was Apostle Vitus Elendu,who moulded the first set of students from 2011-to 2017, adding that most of the students are now graduates from various Nigerian universities and in diaspora. The Principal added that the school started with a population of 135 students and a Staff strength of 21.”Today, the school has grown rapidly, despite the proliferation of schools around, adding that the students have displayed excellence in character and academics,which is visible by the various laurels won by the school at both state and national levels, including 1st Position National Safety Competition 2016 organised by Shell, Champions in the 2018 version African schools debate and others.
She, however, added that sports makes the body fit and healthy, stating that there is no education without sports, urging the students to take their studies seriously,as well as be a good ambassador of the school.
In an interview, the wife of the MOUAU VC, Dr Nkechi Iwe, expressed satisfaction over the school’s 3rd Inter-House Sports Competition, pointing out that it is a good medicine to the body.
Dr Iwe urged the students to take sports as a lifestyle, as it contributes to the development of the brain,which makes a child active,smart, energetic and fit.
While, congratulating the school on its 10th anniversary, urged them not to relent in their excellent academic performance that has singled the school for several awards and trophies.
Meanwhile, the Dike 1 of Umudike Ukwu, HRM Eze Ben Ogechi Oriaku, who expressed happiness that the House named after him, came overall first at the 3rd Inter-House Sports Competition, urged the students not to loose focus or sight of their vision but pursue their studies with all diligence.He also vowed that his ‘Eze Ben Ogechi Oriaku House’, would emerge winners next year’s competition, pledging to give his 100% support to this course.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gift items to the winner of the match past competition, winners of the 100m race,200m, 400m,Relay, Invitation Relay and staff race.
