Society Gists

The Alumni of Queen of The Rosary College Onitsha, QRC Class of 1983 recently celebrated 40 years of graduating from college, highlighting and stressing that the importance of quality education in life.

Speaking during the Reunion event which held at Dees Hotel in Ajao Estate, Lagos, President of QRC 83 set, Professor Ogochukwu Ifeka, said the anniversary celebration was organised to underscore the education and values inculcated on them as young girls in the school some 40 years ago. Ifeka who is a lecturer at Chukwu Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, said the gala night was the highlight of the 3-day activities which included a charity donation to an orphanage home in Lagos.”Also as part of giving back we are paying WAEC fees for indigent students whilst we also help uplift each other when any of us is in need” she stated.

The Global Secretary of Queen of the Rosary College, Lady Chizor Malize, said QRC Alumni body is working with the school and government to rebuild the school. “The Alumni are doing well in helping to foster quality education and modelling students of excellence, to become excellent future leaders. Chizor Malize, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) also stated that the Alumni Association which consists of all graduating students from the school over the last decades, dating back to 1952 has been consistent in contributing to the school.

“We built science laboratories, dormitories, renovated the auditorium and and done quite a lot. We are delighted because each time we go to the government they support us, so whatever it is that we bring, they add to it to support the school”. She said the school has continued to excel winning awards in science, technology, and debates all over the country, including the United States of America, and Dubai. We are arguably the best all-girls school in the east of Niger,” she said.

One key highlight of the event was the presence of 80-year-old Mrs Caroline Anienwelu who passed out from the college in 1962. Going back memory lane, Mrs Anienwelu said “I was in QRC from 1958 to 1962. The school, which is renowned for its outstanding uniform colour, red and white is a symbol of elegance, beautified in education. When I finished my WAEC, I had to continue in QRC. I had to continue for two more years to do my post-secondary level. So in 1964, I had my Cambridge A levels in QRC, and I was the senior prefect”

Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha was founded in 1942 by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Heerey, C.S.S.P, of blessed memory, the then Archbishop of Onitsha. The college has produced many professionals in all spheres of life. Some of the founding members of the QRC Class of 83 are, Past President, Ngozi Anyabolu, Past Vice President, Chinese Viola Udeze and Mrs Ifeoma Aigbe.