For the first time in the history of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, students of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Ikpayongo in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State boarded a plane at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and landed in Lagos to compete at the Spell Africa National Finals. The journey was more than mere travel; it stood as proof that the school produces students of sound intellectual mobility.
At the airport, the students stood tall in their school uniforms with the school badge on their chests. Many passengers approached them to ask which school they were representing, and with pride they answered: “St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Ikpayongo.”
Spell Africa is a pan-African literacy competition designed to improve vocabulary, diction, intellectual confidence and public speaking among secondary school students within Africa. After vigorous preparatory stages, five of the learners from the school qualified for the Day 3 finals. They are Chiaun Christian, Tamenbee Nadoo Naomi, Moses Mary, Samu Glory Dooyum and Uzer Jessica Ngodoo.
Gwer East Local Government, the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi and Benue State at large are proud of their outstanding academic performance and wish the brilliant students a strong finish in the final spell.
