Albert Einstein once remarked, ”Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death”. This sentiment emphasizes the lifelong commitment to learning that is crucial for personal and professional development.
Fr. Peter’s extraordinary accomplishments, achieved within an astonishingly short period, earned him the favour of his Bishop, who granted his request for postgraduate studies in the United States. His unwavering passion, resilience, and unyielding commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, driven by his unquenchable thirst for learning, led him to pursue postgraduate studies in education. Leaving behind the comfort of his parish and his flourishing Holy Trinity College, and ventured into the academic realm once more. In August 2008, Fr. Peter embarked on a transformative journey to the United States of America to pursue his Master’s degree at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. His decision to focus his master’s research on “Technology: A Study of the Value that Teachers Hold for Technology in Urban Public High School” was influenced by his keen understanding of the global technological landscape. This journey was not without its challenges, but Fr. Peter’s determination to enhance his understanding of education remained unshaken.
Upon the successful completion of his Master’s program in 2009, Fr. Peter’s dedication to his pastoral duties led him to serve in various parishes within the dioceses of Grand Rapids. These pastoral duties led him to pastor several parishes which included St. John Vianney in Wyoming, All Saints in Fremont, and St. Joseph’s in White Cloud.
For nine months, he worked at St. JohnVianey as associate pastor. For 2 years and 8 months he worked as a pastor of All Saints in Fremont and St Joseph’s in White Cloud as a pastor shepherding the flock Christ entrusted in his care. Within these years, he remained resolute to the purpose of leaving his father’s land to the United States of America.
In 2012, he embarked on another journey for doctoral degree programme at Concordia University in Chicago. Aristotle, the ancient philosopher, laid the foundation for the concept of specialization in education when he said, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many options”. The words of Aristotle reminded Rev. Fr. Peter that specialization is about making a wise choice, focusing on a particular field, and dedicating sincere effort to excel in it. He continued his doctoral degree in education to ensure total specialization. After rigorous training embodied with coursework and research on “Pastoral Leadership: An Application of Servant Leadership Characteristics for Effective Ministry Among Roman Catholic Pastors in South-East Nigeria”, he emerged as Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Okwoeze Omogo, an educationist and leader with a wealth of knowledge in the realm of academia in 2019. His outstanding performance at Concordia University in Chicago attracted the attention of his professors. During his graduation, 13 people (friends and parishioners), including his friend Fr. Isaac Ogba, went to Chicago to celebrate with him.
During his studies, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter never neglected his sacred and pastoral duties as he pastored in different parishes, which included St. James in Montague, Our Lady of Assumption in Rothbury, and St. John the Baptist in Claybanks. Pastoring three parishes while pursuing academic excellence was never without challenges, but he effectively graduated with flying colours.
The graduation ceremony was celebrated by his friends and parishioners in the United States of America, as well as family and friends in Nigeria.
