Marist Brothers' Juniorate, Uturu
Marist Brothers Juniorate (MBJ) is a Catholic secondary school in Eastern Nigeria, owned and run by the Marist Brothers. The school was opened to the public in 1981, The principal then was Rev Isaac Elusiahu, who was later replaced by the legendary Rev Bro Joachim Okoye Ezetulugo. Okoye Tulugo as he is fondly called, helped shape the lives of a lot of young men for the next decade! Prior to the creation of Abia State in 1991,the school was officially in Okigwe Imo State. Today its location is in Uturu Abia State, due to the creation of the new state.
Teaching at MBJ is based on the two ideas of morals and education. The school has a strong, moral, understanding and educative community of teachers and students working together to achieve the goal of education and success in the future. MBJ has a vibrant alumni community (known as X-Jays) in Nigeria, the UK and the US. In 1985 the entire set of graduating students had The best set of results in the country, between 1986 and 1990. MBJ students were among the best performing students in Nigeria. Most of the best students had A1 in all courses.
The school laboratory is a treasure trove for science buffs. The most popular day in the school calendar is June 6th, Champagnat Day. The anniversary of the founder of the Marist Brothers, the Blessed saint Marcellinus Champagnat
The school is a boarding school meant for Catholic Boys only. Recently though, it started accepting non-Catholics on the terms that they participate in the activities of the Catholic Church during their stay. Some students have described MBJ where Mary Brings Joy. which was culminated by one of its student during one of the sport events which Marist Brothers juniorate won. The name 'Mary Brings Joy' also rose to have an anthem culled into the school anthem.