At the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, this year’s orientation for the 2024/2025 academic session promises to be a landmark event. Breaking with tradition, the orientation did not  hold in the first days of the new academic session as is customary. Instead, it was rescheduled to a later date to ensure that all students, including those who may have faced delays in arriving from various countries across  Africa and Nigeria, will have an equal opportunity to participate. This thoughtful decision highlights the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that no student is left behind due to logistical issues.

According to a recent memo from the Registrar, Fr. Wilson Akhigbe, addressed to CIWA community, the orientation will now take place on the last Thursday and Friday of November, specifically the 28th and 29th of November, 2024. The timing ensures that all new students, regardless of their geographical location, will be able to attend and benefit from the information sessions and activities designed to make their transition into the institute's life smoother and more informed. The decision to hold the orientation before matriculation is particularly aimed at giving students a better chance to settle into their new academic and social environment, making the most of the institute’s resources and services before the start of their full academic programme.

This year’s orientation is expected to be an event of significant scope, with participation from all principal officers of the institute. From the Rector to the Chief Security Officer (CSO), and representatives from all departments and units, the event will be a comprehensive introduction to CIWA’s academic structure, cultural values, and institutional expectations. The inclusion of such a diverse group of the institute's leaders emphasizes the importance the administration places on the engagement and integration of new students into CIWA community. This will also serve as a platform for students to ask questions, share their concerns, and begin to develop relationships with key university personnel who will play pivotal roles in their academic careers.

Notably, there is great anticipation surrounding the formal address of the Rector to the new students. This address is expected to set the tone for the academic year and provide important insights into the ’institute's goals, vision, and the values that CIWA holds dear. The Rector’s address will offer guidance, reassurance, and inspiration to the incoming students, helping them understand the significance of their choice to study at CIWA and the opportunities that lie ahead. It will also serve as a call to action, motivating students to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, integrity, and service to the community, in line with the mission of the Catholic Church and the core principles of the institute.

The news of this year’s orientation was met with enthusiasm by the student body, who recently conducted their elections following a constitutional review. The election process, which has ensured the selection of new student leaders, has created a sense of excitement and involvement among the students, who are now eager to participate in this key event. The students’ active role in the governance of the institution underscores the growing spirit of collaboration and engagement at CIWA. As student leaders continue to shape the direction of student affairs, their participation in the orientation process will undoubtedly play a significant role in ensuring that the event is both informative and meaningful.

As preparations for the orientation continue at full throttle, there are high hopes that the event will not only meet but exceed expectations. Beyond the formal addresses and presentations, students can look forward to a series of interactive workshops, team-building exercises, and social events that will help them build relationships with their peers and the wider CIWA community. With the increasing trend of universities around the globe embracing digital platforms for orientation, it is also expected that CIWA will incorporate online elements to reach students who may face challenges in physically attending all sessions. Such innovations ensure that all students, regardless of their situation, can engage with the content and benefit from the orientation experience. 

This year’s CIWA orientation, though grounded in the traditional values of Catholic education, reflects a modern approach to ensuring that students feel supported, informed, and ready to embark on their academic journey. The move to reschedule the orientation is an example of the institute’s responsiveness to the needs of its students, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and student success.

*Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ã* 

_Reporting from CESSAC-CIWA, NOV 26, 2024_.