Our
Story
Faith • Excellence • Character • Service • Truth •
We are not just teaching children we are forming them.
The founding of Pope John Paul II Model Secondary School was an act of God answering the prayerful longing of Bishop Chikwe to provide education to post-primary school children of middle and low income earners. Through the coordination of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ihuoma, the school building was sponsored by Germans under the auspices of Ecumenical One World – Saint Nikolaus Wolback, under the care of Mrs. Ingrid Sieverding of Münster, Germany.
Local support came through the Mbaise Educational Development Forum a voluntary organisation in the diocese charged with executing the project. On 24th November 2006, the school opened her doors for the 2006/2007 academic year with Very Rev. Msgr. Paul Amakiri as her first principal. On that first day, 45 students were received 30 males and 15 females. The school closed that year with 72 students and 8 members of staff.
Originally named Mater Ecclesiae Secondary School, the school was renamed Pope John Paul II Model Secondary School in 2007 in honour of the beloved saint, whose vision of integral human formation became the school's guiding light. Today, her alumni are doing her proud all over the world.
Our Code.
Community
Every student here belongs. We build a family: one that challenges, supports and lifts each other toward something greater.
Excellence
Any student wishing to stand out must be ready to go the extra mile. All subjects are handled by qualified hands, and we hold every child to that standard.
Service
Leadership through service is at our core. We raise students who give back to their families, their communities and the Church.
Integrity
"You must be different to make the difference." Our students can stand shoulder to shoulder among peers trained in Catholic seminaries and convents.
Fostering lifelong learning in a safe environment steeped in living faith.
Our mission is to foster a lifelong learning experience in a safe environment steeped in living faith, an innovative spirit and an uncommon thirst for excellence. We offer our students a holistic education that harmonizes intellectual growth with spiritual, religious, emotional and social development.
Our vision is to be a leading Catholic institution offering holistic, innovative and world-class education that is accessible and affordable, confidently inspiring students for leadership in an ever-changing world.
"We are committed to the education of the whole child: deepening faith in God, developing the intellect, forming the mind to seek truth and beauty, and the heart to be conscious, conscientious and compassionate."
This is the philosophy handed to us by St. Pope John Paul II. It is the philosophy we carry into every classroom, every assembly, every correction and every celebration. We do not just pass children through this school. We pour into them.
Built for every kind of learner.
Science Laboratories
Well-equipped science labs where students conduct experiments and bring theory to life.
Computer Laboratory
A robust CBT-certified computer lab and an accredited centre for JAMB CBT examinations.
Steady Power & Water
Reliable electricity and water supply, ensuring a conducive environment every day.
Sports & Recreation
Football, volleyball, table tennis, badminton and more, keeping students active, healthy and team-spirited.
Qualified Staff
Every subject handled by qualified, experienced and dedicated teachers committed to each student's growth.
Strong Moral Formation
A strictly coordinated co-educational environment that trains students to stand out spiritually, morally and academically.
Time
line.
Tracing the journey of PJP from a bishop's prayer to a thriving Catholic institution.
The Foundation
School approval granted in April 2006. On 24th November 2006, PJP opened her doors with Very Rev. Msgr. Paul Amakiri as first principal, 45 students and 8 members of staff, through the vision of Bishop Chikwe and with support from German donors and the Mbaise Educational Development Forum.
The Renaming
The school receives full approval and is renamed Pope John Paul II Model Secondary School, Rev. Fr. Francis Amaliri serves as second principal. The school receives its second set of students in September 2007.
JSSCE Approval
The school receives approval for the Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSCE) in November 2008. Rev. Fr. Dr. Innocent Olekamma forms the first Parents Teachers Association.
Senior Status & WAEC
Approved to upgrade to Senior Secondary status in March 2011. WAEC approval follows in June, NECO in October, marking PJP as a fully accredited examination centre.
New Leadership
Rev. Fr. Augustine C. Onuoha takes over as principal, succeeding the longest-serving principal Rev. Fr. Timothy Okeahialam (2008-2019), under whose tenure the school witnessed phenomenal growth. Fr. Onuoha served until August 2025.
Into the Digital Age
PJP launches its digital portal, bringing result checking, admissions and school news online. The computer laboratory becomes an accredited JAMB CBT centre, taking the mission of accessible education further than ever before.
Our Leadership
Rev. Fr. Ephraim U. Ibekwe
School Principal
To be updated
Vice Principal
To be updated
Chaplain
To be updated
Bursar
Past Principals
Very Rev. Msgr. Paul Amakiri
November 2006 – March 2007
Rev. Fr. Francis Amaliri
March 2007 – October 2007
Rev. Fr. Dr. Innocent Olekamma
October 2007 – March 2008
Rev. Fr. Timothy Okeahialam
March 2008 – 2019
Rev. Fr. Augustine C. Onuoha
January 2019 – August 2025