INAUGURATION OF THE 2026/2027 ACADEMIC AND FORMATION YEAR AT BIGARD MEMORIAL SEMINARY, ENUGU

The 2026/2027 Academic and Formation Year of Bigard Memorial Seminary was formally inaugurated with a Holy Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Valentine Onaga.

In his homily, titled “Renewed Zeal for Learning,” the Bishop urged the seminarians to renew their commitment to formation as they commenced another academic year following the long vacation. He observed that some seminarians appeared to have lost touch with the demands of formation and encouraged them to approach the new year with renewed dedication, discipline, and enthusiasm.

The Bishop also expressed concern over the growing tendency to prioritize the pursuit of money over the acquisition of wisdom. While acknowledging that both wisdom and money can offer protection, he emphasized the enduring value of wisdom and encouraged the seminarians to invest in knowledge through the consistent reading of good books.

He further observed that future illiteracy might not necessarily be defined by the inability to read and write, but by an unwillingness to learn or a failure to understand how to learn effectively. He therefore urged the seminarians to cultivate a lasting commitment to learning and intellectual development.

After the Holy Mass, the inauguration ceremony proper commenced in the seminary auditorium with an opening prayer led by the Bishop. This was followed by the inaugural address, during which the Bishop formally declared the 2026/2027 Academic and Formation Year open.

In his address, the Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Ezeoba, welcomed the Bishop, formators, lecturers, members of staff, seminarians, and other guests. He expressed gratitude to the Bishop for his active support and fatherly care for the seminary. The Rector also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Albert Ikpenwa, appreciating his service and efforts toward the growth of the institution. He further commended the formators and members of staff for their dedication and hard work in the formation of the seminarians.

Addressing the seminarians, Fr. Ezeoba congratulated them on the commencement of the new academic and formation year and encouraged them to sustain their commitment to academic excellence. He reminded them that seminary formation extends beyond intellectual development, as it also prepares candidates to think critically, pray deeply, lead responsibly, discern wisely, and serve faithfully as future ministers of the Church.

The Bishop then solemnly inaugurated the 2026/2027 Academic and Formation Year. Adding color and musical splendor to the occasion, the Bigard Main Choir and Orchestra thrilled the audience with an energetic presentation of Daalu Nna.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to seminarians who distinguished themselves in academics and other areas of formation during the 2025/2026 academic session.

Philosophy

· Philosophy I: Amuji Somto emerged first, followed by Uchenna Paschal in second place and Okorie Emmanuel in third place.

· Philosophy II: Ozochi Martins took first position, while Ugwu Collins and Ugwu Marcellinus came second and third, respectively.

· Philosophy III: Nnagboh Charles emerged first, followed by Eze Victor in second place and Uzor Francis in third place.

The Prince Ikedi Literature Award recognized outstanding performance in prose and poetry. In the prose category, Orji Justin emerged first, followed by Diyoke Collins in second place and Oko Kingsley in third. In poetry, Nwankwo Gabriel took first position, while Onunze Benjamin and Bologi John Valentine placed second and third, respectively.

The Barr. Anyaegbunam Award for best student in Symbolic Logic was jointly received by Nnagboh Charles and Ogidi Flannan, who both scored 75 marks (comprising 16 continuous assessment marks and 59 examination marks).

Onoh Emmanuel received the Giant Leap Award, while Eze Victor Ekene received the Bishop Michael Eneja Award for overall best student in Philosophy for the 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 academic sessions.

Theology

· Theology I: Edeh John-Michael emerged first, followed by Udezue Ikechukwu in second position and Ezema Anthony in third.

· Theology II: Eze Virgilius took first position, followed by Irokojo Uchenna in second position and Diyoke Collins in third.

· Theology III: Ugwu Paul C. emerged first, while Ugwoke Godwin and Nwaiwu Collins placed second and third, respectively.

Other awards recognized excellence in practical work, conduct, and Scripture. Ogbu Christian was named Best Student in Farmwork, while Johnson Obetta received the award for Best in Function.

Ugwoke Godwin was recognized as Overall Best-Behaved Seminarian, while Eze Virgilius received the award for Best-Behaved Seminarian.

In Scripture, Ugwu Paul C. emerged first, followed by Ugwoke Godwin in second place. Ugwu Paul C. was also recognized as the Overall Best Student in Moral Theology.

VOTE OF THANKS

In his vote of thanks, Vice-Rector I, Rev. Fr. Dr. Eugene Odo, expressed gratitude to the Bishop of Enugu Diocese for his presence and support, particularly for inaugurating the new academic and formation year.

He also appreciated the rectors, formators, and lecturers—both present and absent—for their dedication and contributions to the formation of the seminarians. He extended his gratitude to members of staff and other participants for their support, noting that the seminarians remain central to the mission of the institution.

He concluded by wishing the seminarians a fruitful and successful academic year.

The ceremony concluded with the final blessing imparted by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Valentine Onaga.

The inauguration thus marked the beginning of another academic and formation year at Bigard Memorial Seminary, with a renewed emphasis on intellectual excellence, discipline, spiritual growth, and the preparation of seminarians for faithful service to the Church and society.