Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji, Anambra State, was founded on 15 January 1962 by the then Archbishop of Onitsha, the Most Rev. Charles Heerey. The name Mater Amabilis is a Latin expression meaning “Mother Most Amiable” or “Mother Most Lovable.”
A significant milestone in the school’s history occurred in 1951 when Rev. Fr. John Jordan, a renowned and experienced educationist, assumed leadership and played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for its educational excellence.
The school was administered by the Catholic Irish Mission until the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967, during which most Catholic Irish missionaries serving in Eastern Nigeria were expelled by the Federal Government.
In 2010, the Anambra State Government returned mission schools to their original owners, enabling the Catholic Mission to resume direct stewardship of the institution. Since then, under the leadership of Fr. Francis and his team, Mater Amabilis has undergone significant transformation and repositioning, restoring its status as one of the leading secondary schools in Nigeria.
The school has consistently distinguished itself in academics, leadership development, sports, debates, quizzes, and other co-curricular activities. Its students have participated in and won numerous competitions at local, national, and international levels, including events held in Dubai and Malaysia.
Between 2023 and 2025 alone, Mater Amabilis secured eleven state, national, and international awards and gold medals across various academic and extracurricular disciplines. Most notably, in November 2025, the school received national recognition from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC Nigeria) as the Best Public Secondary School in Nigeria in All Subjects based on its outstanding performance in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour and privilege to present for your recognition the representatives of Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji, Anambra State, Nigeria.