WELCOME ADDRESS ON THE PASTORAL VISIT OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF LAGOS MOST REV. DR. ALFRED ADEWALE MARTINS TO ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AKOKA, IN YABA DEANERY, THURSDAY, 22ND MAY 2025.
With profound joy and gratitude to Almighty God, I, on behalf of the College Governing Council, Management, Staff, and Students of St. Augustine College of Education, warmly welcome His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, to our institution on his pastoral visit to Yaba Deanery.
Your Grace, your steadfast support and spiritual guidance have been a beacon of hope for our college. Without your continuous encouragement and advocacy, the institution might have struggled to survive. We thank God that today, the narrative has changed for the better.
- Academic Achievements
Under the current administration, we have made remarkable strides in academic development. The establishment of fully equipped Science Laboratories in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics has greatly enhanced the quality of our teaching and learning environment. We have introduced Science courses for both NCE and Degree programmes, all duly approved by the relevant regulatory bodies-the NCCE and NUC.
Recognizing the importance of technology, we initiated a six-month professional diploma in seven areas of Computer Science. We also introduced staff development seminars for both academic and non-academic personnel to promote continuous learning. Additionally, the Catechetical Diploma Programme has been fortified, ensuring the strong presence of Catholic values in our curriculum.
- Staff Welfare
The review and dissemination of the Staff Conditions of Service has ensured that staff are fairly treated and well-informed about their rights and responsibilities. Orientation session led by the College legal team have further strengthened this initiative. The timely payment of staff salaries-consistently on the 25th of every month, increment in salaries and other benefits – has significantly boosted morale and productivity.
- Students’ Welfare and Activities
Our students have also been a major focus. We established an entrepreneurial workshop to equip them with vital skills for today’s dynamic world. The development of a recreational center has improved their overall college experience.
To ease financial burdens, we introduced scholarship programmes for deserving students. Furthermore, the expansion of student accommodation and the addition of four classrooms have improved the learning environment.
We also inaugurated the Annual Founders Day Celebration, a tradition that now offers the College community an opportunity to honor its heritage. The revitalization of the Alumni Association has transformed it into an active and supportive network.
All these achievements are a testament to your unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement. We are deeply grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for the growth and advancement of our beloved College.
- Our Present Population of Students
NCE: 21
Degree Progamme:
Full Time: 81
Part Time: 119
PDE: 18
Catechetical Diploma Programme: 159
Computer Science Diploma Programme: 8
Total: 406
We also want to bring to your notice that there are some priests within the deanery who have volunteer to teach courses in the college: Rev. Fr. Simon Irabor and Rev. Fr. Theodore Martinos.
Urgent Challenges Facing the College
The College is due for and prepares ahead for the upcoming accreditation exercise of the NCE programmes, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Educational Management, the Sciences and also the Unbundling of the Arts and Social Science department.
Furthermore, the key area of focus involves infrastructure development which would include the construction of additional classrooms and equipping them with modern teaching facilities, such as projectors, to enhance learning.
Also, other future development needs include the renovation of old buildings on the premises, furnishing more offices, upgrading the E-library with more computers, and establishing a well-equipped counseling unit for the students.
Addressing these challenges will improve the College’s infrastructure, academic quality, and an overall readiness for the accreditation which is upon us.
Finally, in the spirit of my 25th priestly ordination anniversary and responding to the needs of the college, I wish to donate 20 sets of computers.
Your Grace, we pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will continue to guide, bless and strengthen you in all your endeavors. Once again, we warmly welcome you, and we pray for the resounding success of your pastoral visit.
God bless the Archdiocese of Lagos! God bless St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka, Yaba! God bless Nigeria!
Thank you.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Vincent Kayode Olofinkua
Provost
GRAND ENTRANCE FOR OUR PROPRIETOR:
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WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE BODY ON THE OCCASION OF THE PASTORAL VISIT OF HIS GRACE, MOST REVEREND ALFRED ADEWALE MARTINS, PROPRIETOR OF ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Your Grace,
Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos and Proprietor of our beloved institution,
Good afternoon.
On behalf of the entire student body of St. Augustine College of Education, it is with a heart overflowing with joy, honor, and gratitude that I warmly welcome His Grace to our campus on this memorable occasion of your pastoral visit.
Your presence among us today is not just ceremonial—it is deeply symbolic. It reminds us of the strong spiritual foundation upon which this college stands, and of our collective calling to grow not only in intellect but also in faith, in morals, and in service to humanity. You are not just our proprietor; you are our shepherd, and we are truly blessed to be under your spiritual and moral guidance.
St. Augustine once said, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” In a world filled with distractions and challenges, your visit is a call back to that divine rest, to that unwavering commitment to truth, love, and service. As students, this reminds us that our academic pursuits are empty if they are not anchored in purpose, integrity, and faith.
Your Grace, we are inspired by your consistent dedication to the growth of Catholic education in Lagos Archdiocese. Your leadership encourages us to take seriously our roles as future leaders, educators, and agents of transformation—not just within the Church, but in the broader society.
As young people, we face a world in desperate need of compassion, unity, and upright leadership. But we take courage in your example. You show us that it is possible to lead with humility, to correct with love, and to serve with integrity. These values, we commit to uphold as students of this noble institution.
May your visit today rekindle our spiritual zeal, renew our academic vigor, and deepen our love for truth and service. We pray that God continues to strengthen you, bless your ministry, and grant you wisdom as you shepherd His flock with Grace.
Once again, Your Grace, we welcome you with grateful hearts and open arms. May your stay with us be fruitful and filled with joy.
Thank you, and may God bless you always.
God bless St. Augustine College of Education!
God bless our beloved Lagos State!!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Comrade Shedrach Chilaka
SRB President
