In a heartfelt ceremony, St. Murumba College held a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the successful completion of the academic sessions by the 2024 students. The event also included a memorial for late teachers, members of the Saint Murumba Old Boys Association (SMOBA), and students.

Very Rev. Father Joseph Choji, the school principal, in his  address during the graduation ceremony which took place in the school hall, on the 21 July, in Jos, highlighted the significance of completing the academic journey. “It is not easy to start and finish well,” he remarked. He thanked God for enabling the students to conclude their high school education and prayed for the junior students transitioning to senior classes.

Father Choji expressed gratitude towards the parents for their sacrifices and encouraged the graduates to contribute positively to their families and society.

“I appreciate the parents, there were difficult times that you had to deny yourselves sleep, food comfort in order to bring your children up.” He said, adding “my big boys, you are still boys, you are not yet men… a man is someone who has a house, and can take care of his house, your parents are still taking care of you. You have to prove to them that after this graduation, you will contribute your own quota.”

He cautioned them against negative influences and urged them to remember their upbringing and the fear of God.

The assistant priest, in his homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Tabeh underscored the importance of parental guidance. Drawing from biblical references, he emphasized the need for vigilance against negative influences and the role of parents in continuing the students’ development.

The challenges faced by the 2024 graduating class were acknowledged, including national crises such as banditry, COVID-19, and economic hardships.

Father Tabeh praised the students’ resilience and urged them to continue striving forward despite obstacles.

The best graduating student, Anjugu Ovie who expressed great joy in shaking hands with his school principal, shared his journey from poor performance to academic excellence, attributing his success to determination and God’s help.

“If I have examination, within that period, I avoid every form of distraction, until am done, before I can go out to play, he said.

The new graduates who could not contain themselves with joy, as they danced in jubilation, were welcomed by the SMOBA President, Joseph Gorah into the alumni association, expressing optimism for the future and emphasizing the duty of alumni to give back to their alma mater.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a calendar celebrating the outgoing students and those who completed their junior exams.

Outstanding students were recognized, and the graduates were inducted into SMOBA by the Commissioner of Oaths.

The Thanksgiving Mass at St. Murumba College was a blend of celebration, reflection, and hope, marking a significant milestone for the 2024 graduates and the school community.