A former lecturer with
the University of Port Harcourt, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kabari (Ph.D) of the University of Port Harcourt, has called for value change in the Nigerian society.
Dr. Kabari who spoke during the third biennial inter-house athletic competition of Immaculate Heart College, Borikiri, said it was worrisome that people now do anything to acquire academic certificates not minding the consequences. He noted that in our country todayparents are ready to bribe teachers to write exams for their children or even buy exams for their children. He described such act as shameful and advised that we go back to our value system passed on to us by the colonial masters, emphasizing that the way to change values in any society is through the school system.
Fr. Kabari, who is also the Director, Catholic Education Board, thanked the principal of the college, Lady Florence Nwosu and her staff for their tireless efforts in raising hard working, talented students in the college.
Earlier in her welcome address, Lady Nwosu said games were essential part of the school’s curricular activities which provide for the physical and mental well-being of the students. For this reason she said, the Federal Ministry of Education in line with the National Policy on Education ensure that sports activities are compulsorily organized not only within the college but between other colleges within and outside the zone.
The principal noted that over the years, students of Immaculate Heart College had excelled in academics, sports and other fields. She assured that with the support of government, the church, all and sundry, the dream of raising the institution to an international standard would be realized.
Similarly, the chairman of the occasion, Engr. John Ottih, advised parents, schools and well-meaning individuals to encourage and support sports in our schools, adding that sports is an integral part of education without which education is not complete.
The athletic competition featured match past, relay race, sack race, 1500m boys/girls race among the four houses – Bishop Etukudoh, St. Joseph, Sir Collyns Owhonda and Queen of Peace. There were also invitation rely race, parents race, teachers races, old girls race and many more. In the end, Sir Collyns Owhonda house emerged the overall winner while Simon Asogwa was the overall best student.
The occasion which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life was also used to launch the maiden edition of the school’s magazine, The Immaculate Voice.

Calista Ezeaku