In a moment of academic triumph that will echo across the Catholic intellectual world, Fr. (Dr.) Callistus Ikhane of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has clinched the Academic Excellence Award for Best Dissertation for the 2022/2023 session at the renowned Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt. CIWA, lauded as a citadel of academic rigour and theological brilliance, is known for producing some of the finest minds in the Church.
As the late Archbishop Patrick Ekpu of Benin City once remarked, it is a citadel “for those with high cerebral capacity.” The Best Dissertation Award, one of CIWA’s most coveted accolades, represents the pinnacle of scholarly achievement and is a testament to both intellect and innovation. Fr. Ikhane’s dissertation, titled “Confirmation as the Sacrament of Social Justice”, captivated the academic board with its groundbreaking exploration of the interplay between liturgical theology and societal transformation. His work, supervised by the esteemed Revd. Fr. (Dr.) Emmanuel Anagwo, bridges the sacred and the practical, posing the thought-provoking question: “After the celebration, what next?” Speaking to our correspondents, Precious Famgba and Sr. Roselyn Egbuchulem, SDV, the awardee expressed deep gratitude to his Bishop, Gabriel Dunia for guiding him toward Sacred Liturgy as his area of specialisation. “Liturgy is not just theology in theory—it is theology in action,” he said.
“It is Liturgy in celebration that brings theology to life.” Fr. Ikhane highlighted the transformative impact his studies have had on his Diocese, particularly in fostering deeper liturgical awareness and greater participation among the faithful. “Attention to liturgical details, often overlooked, has enriched our communal worship,” he noted. At the award ceremony, the Rector of the Institute, Very Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Jude Abidemi Asanbe, praised Fr. Ikhane’s dedication and intellectual rigour, urging all students, particularly new Ph.D. inductees, to prioritise research that is both relevant and impactful. In his acceptance speech, Fr. Ikhane, visibly moved, described the honour as humbling.
“I remain in awe of CIWA’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping minds for the Church and society. I owe this to the institution’s stellar leadership and the great support of my Bishop and supervisor,” he said. Fr. Ikhane, an alumnus of the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma, was ordained a priest on September 24, 2005. He currently serves as Dean of Deanery One of Auchi Diocese, Director of Liturgy, Auchi Diocese, Coordinator of Priestly Life and Ministry and Parish Priest of St. John the Apostle Parish, Igarra, in Edo State.
