# St. Charles College, Onitsha

St. Charles College Onitsha is an all boys Catholic secondary school located in inland town Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria.

## History

St Charles Secondary School was established by Catholic missionaries in Onitsha in 1928 to spur their policy of educational empowerment of the inhabitants of their mission area. The college began as a Teacher Training College for men and was dedicated to St. Charles' Borromeo, a great teacher and patron of Bishop Charles Heerey, then newly ordained coadjutor to Bishop Shanahan of Southern Nigeria. At the end of military hostilities of the Nigerian-Biafran war in 1970, the Government of the then East Central State of Nigeria forcefully took over all schools in the state, including the college. However, through the relentless efforts of the Catholic Church, the proprietorship of the college reverted to the Church in 1983. The Principalship of Sir lkemelu saw the end of the Teacher Training College era in 1986 and the inception of the secondary school era. During the period between 1987 and 2010, St Charles’ comprised two distinct schools: St Charles’ Secondary School and St Charles’ Special Science School. The college reverted to a Secondary School with a single administration in 2010, a situation that persists at present. The college is now owned by the Catholic Church under the jurisdiction of Onitsha Archdiocese in Anambra State.

## Curriculum and Admission

The school offers curriculum that can take care of students from any part of world. Admission is strictly based on academic excellence. They basically enroll their Student for WAEC, GCE and NECO exams.

## Achievements

Significant achievements of the school during its era as a teacher training college include its success in training and furnishing many schools within its catchment area with sound teachers. Thus, it could easily be affirmed that the school positively and heavily influenced the standard and direction of education through the agency of her former students. Some recent awards won by the school include: 1. Winner, Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Project (WSICE), 2017, 1st prize 2. Winner, Governor's Debate Championship 2019, 3rd prize 3. Winner, Anambra State Schools Business Plan Competition 2019, 1st prize 4. Finalist, Global MWEAAN Beyond School Community Challenge, 2020 & 2021 5. 1st Prize Onitsha City Board Games Competition, 2021

## Admnistration

The following are the administrative leadership of Charles’ College:
* The Holy Ghost Fathers:
* Rev Fr Richard Daly (CSSP): 1928-1932 (Pioneer Principal)
* Rev Fr Patrick Doyle (CSSP): 1932-1936
* Rev Fr Michael Flanagan (CSSP): 1937-1938
* The Franciscan Brothers:
* Rev Bro Fridolin: 1938-1940
* Rev Bro Benignus: 1940-1942
* Rev Bro Malachy Tuohy (O.D): 1942-1964
* Rev Bro Raphael Kinaha: 1964-1967
* The Lay Faithful (post-Civil war)
* Sir Frederick N. Okafor: 1970-1972
* Augustin O. Muodili: 1972-1972
* J.C.S. Kong Doomahbbey: 1972-1973
* C.R.O. Oranika: 1973-1976
* Sir B.I.A. Okafor: 1976-1984
* Chief Augustine F. lkemelu: 1985-1986
Note: The Principalship of Sir lkemelu saw the end of the Teachers Training era in 1986 and the inception of the secondary school era.
* Principal Post Teachers training era:
* Chief Sir. A.F. lkemelu: 1986-1991(Pioneer Principal)
* Rev Fr Michael Esotu: 1992-1994
* Mr G.C. Afonta: 19 4-2001
* Barr Sam Okonkwo: 2001-2004
* Sir Paul O. Okwundu; 2004-2009
* Sir I.K.B. Ozojie: 2009-2010
During the period between 1987 and 2010, St Charles’ comprised two distinct schools: St Charles’ Secondary School and St Charles’ Special Science School.
* The Special Science Section (1987-2010) was headed by the following:
* Sir Aloy Egwuatu: Jan 1987-March 1987 (Pioneer Principal)
* Sir Bartholomeo O. lfeonu: 1989-1990
* Sir Matthias O. lfedigbo: 1991-1998
* Sir Moses N. Anakebe: 1998-2002
* Sir E.C. Ezenduka: 2002-2009 vi. Sir Paul O. Okwundu; 2009-2010
The college reverted to a Secondary School with a single administration in 2010, a situation that persists at present.
* The following have functioned as school managers:
* Msgr Gabriel Onuo
* Rev Fr G.C lkeobi (Late)
* Rev Fr John Anosike
* Rev Fr Anthony Asoanya
* Sir Grey Ntukogu (Late)j
* Rev Fr Vitus Mbamalu: 2009-2017 (Pioneer Manager/Principal)
vii. Rev Fr Emmanuel Emenu: Manager/Principal, 2017 till date