In an extraordinary act of gratitude and appreciation, a former student recently astounded their former teacher with an unexpected and generous car gift, expressing profound appreciation for their mentor's guidance and support.

The heartwarming gesture unfolded yesterday, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, when Dr. Domnic Nwankwu (Ogbuodom), a past student of St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, decided to honour their former educator, Monsignor Sylvester Mgbemfulu, in an extraordinary way. Having recognized the significant impact of their teacher’s guidance on their life, Dominic presented the car through the Savio-Bosco Old Boys(SABOBA) and was accompanied by the Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, the Association’s President, Comrade Celestine Ostende Oguegbu, the Secretary General, Sir Chidubem Charles Iloghalu and two other priest-members, Frs. Charles Chidubem and Emmanuel Ezeonu.

The touching exchange took place at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Nibo, where emotions ran high as the teacher received the unexpected gift. Overwhelmed by the student's gesture, the teacher expressed deep gratitude and disbelief at the thoughtful and generous present. He prayed for God to continue to guide and guard his former students.

During the handover, Dr. Nwankwo expressed his intention to provide Msgr. Mgbemfulu with N50,000 for immediate vehicle maintenance, three years of insurance coverage, and a monthly fuel allowance of N100,000 for a year. He emphasized that this gesture aimed to show profound gratitude for Msgr. Mgbemfulu’s unwavering support and guidance throughout their educational journey. “We were deeply influenced by the teacher’s dedication and commitment to education, and this act was a way to express profound gratitude, especially in support of his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination,” Dr. Nwankwo stated.

Msgr Mgbemfulu, who was ordained a priest in 1974 by Francis Cardinal Arinze (then an Archbishop), served almost all his active priestly years in seminaries, where he also taught Chemistry for over 40 years.

Speaking during the handover, Comrade Celestine Oguegbu, himself a lecturer in the higher institution, said the gesture highlighted the enduring impact teachers have on their students' lives. He said it also served as a poignant reminder of the profound influence educators can have beyond the classroom.”

Msgr Mgbemfulu, overwhelmed by the unexpected gift, shared sentiments of immense gratitude, emphasizing the significance of relationships built during their teaching career. He prayed to God to continue to guard and guide all his former students.

In his own remarks, Sir Charles Iloghalu described the extraordinary act as a “powerful testament to the enduring connection between teachers and their students.”

•PHOTO: A former Student of St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, Dr. Domnic Nwankwo (1st left), accompanied by some old boys, presenting a car to his teacher, Msgr Sylvester Mgbemfulu (2nd right) at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Nibo, Tuesday, as a sign of gratitude for his impact in the lives of his former students.

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