It was another landmark in the history of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo as one of its schools, St. Francis Catholic College (FRANCCO), held its 23rd Valedictory Service in conjunction with the blessing and commissioning of the newly built Administrative Block on Thursday, August 1, 2024. 

The foundation of the block which was laid during the last Valedictory Service and celebration of the Holy Mass, in which Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, served as the Chief Celebrant, with Msgr Emanuel Yakubu and Rev. Fr. Michael Falade as co-celebrants. 

The Homilist, Rev. Fr. Peter Epiphany Agboola, Cathedral Administrator and an alumnus of the school, began his homily by expressing gratitude for all that God has done in the past years and for the gift of everyone who has contributed to shaping and forming the lives of the students, especially the graduating students.

He thanked Bishop Badejo, the Proprietor of the College, for his investments in the students’ education. He also appreciated the efforts of the Indefatigable Principal, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, the teaching and non-teaching staff, knowing that training other people’s children is not an easy task.

Most importantly, he applauded the graduands for their open hearts and perseverance in their studies.

Fr. Agboola emphasized that Catholic education provides not only academic formation but also spiritual growth.

He encouraged the students to express gratitude by maintaining the school’s developments and infrastructure.

Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, the Principal, recounted the school’s achievements in academics, spiritual formation, and staff well-being.He therefore encouraged the parents and guardians to invest more in their children’s education as that’s the most profitable thing they could ever do for them.

Bishop Badejo addressed the graduands, expressing pride in their perseverance and achievements. He admonished them to prioritize prayer, acknowledging that without God, they cannot succeed. He reminded them to appreciate their families and those who supported them.

The Bishop emphasized that the world is ruled by two forces: Chaos and order. He encouraged the graduands to be pillars of order, holding the house together, rather than caterpillars that destroy.

Before the Administrative Block was blessed and commissioned, Bishop Badejo encouraged everyone to work for God and remain faithful in whatever space they might be.

The building, worth over 40 million naira, was completed within a year, a testament to the glory of God. He praised Architect Oludapo for his selfless service to the Church, designing and supervising the project from scratch.