Students were first encouraged to explore their talents, recognize their innate abilities, and harness their interests. With great  commitment, the administration went further, creating avenues both within and beyond the campus for students to refine their crafts. The response? Nothing short of spectacular.  

At a recent grand exhibition on campus, students unfurled their ingenuity in a breathtaking display of instant designs, weaving, welding, plating, painting, molding, sewing, sculpting, binding, and intricate designing. Every corner of the exhibition hall brimmed with artistic mastery and technical prowess. Among the many surprises of the event, none was more touching than a student's unsolicited masterpiece—a portrait of Sr. Ajayi Maria Natalia IHM, the Head of  Department of Religious Studies. Stunned by the gesture, she exclaimed with delight, "I must know this student! This is awesome!"  

Equally moved by the students’ ingenuity, the Rector of the Institute, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, received a school logo masterfully crafted by one of the students. Turning to the lecturer in charge of the course, Rev. Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie, he remarked, “They must begin to think of how they can enlarge their practice and fully put their abilities to use.”  

This philosophy had already been underscored at a recent Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences meeting, where the Dean, Fr. Prof. Inaku Egere, stressed the indispensable role of the practical component in entrepreneurship. He insisted that students should not merely create for academic grading but should develop marketable skills that could become a means of livelihood.  

The exhibition left impressions far beyond the academic halls. Stepping into the guesthouse on an urgent mission, Fr. Dr. Andrew Otu, Head of the Department of Pastoral Theology, found himself captivated by a strikingly beautiful greeting card designed by one of the students. Echoing the biblical astonishment at the miraculous wine of Cana, he sought to know its creator and commended the students for their craftsmanship, insisting on the need to sustain the momentum.  

Each student found inspiration in unique places. Cyprian Eze, who crafted a charming yet functional basket, shared that his creativity was sparked by observing the crude hand tools used by some women. Determined to refine the design, he elevated its quality for better utility. Mba Joseph turned his attention to card designing and customization, inspired by a previous contact which he had with a skillful friend who never gave his talent due attention . Joseph Ter Jir, drawn to agriculture, forged a digging hoe, fueled by his curiosity about the art of metalwork. Meanwhile, Roselyn Egbuchulem, a student of Mass Communication, fashioned elegant pen cups from wool, recalling how such items had fascinated her during her time working in office spaces before joining CIWA. Cyril Nwokolo who made a sizeable crucifix did so out of his desire to create with uniqueness the Paschal event of Christ. 

This remarkable showcase is but a glimpse into the culture of excellence at CIWA, where every practical course is treated with the seriousness it deserves. The management steadfast in her commitment, work tirelessly to ensure that every graduate leaves not just with a degree, but with skills that are valuable, marketable, and, above all, empowering. The dream of the Institute’s management is rapidly unfolding, and the fruits of its vision are ripening faster than expected.

Thanks for Reading

Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ã

Cesacc-ciwa, Feb. 2, 2025