FGC Enugu Old Students Begin Work on N2bn Innovation Hub

The Federal Government College Enugu Old Students Association (FGCEOSA) has commenced the construction of a N2 billion Innovation Hub designed to prepare students for opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The association announced the project on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the FGCEOSA Innovation Hub at the premises of the Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu.

The event also featured the inauguration of a solar-powered borehole donated by the SON Eze Trust Foundation in partnership with the alumni association to improve water supply within the school.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Leader of the Innovation Hub Planning Committee, Mr Odera Udutchay, described the initiative as a landmark achievement in the history of the institution.

According to him, the facility is envisioned as a transformative centre that will promote creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, research collaboration and technological advancement among current and future students of the college.

“The Innovation Hub represents our collective commitment as alumni to give back meaningfully to the institution that helped shape our lives,” he said.

Udutchay disclosed that the project is estimated to cost about N2 billion, covering the construction of the facility, digital infrastructure, equipment and manpower required for its operation.

He explained that implementation would be carried out in phases over a two-year period, with the first phase comprising civil, mechanical and electrical works expected to be completed within one year.

Also speaking, President of FGCEOSA, Mr Nnadozie Eze, said the initiative was conceived in 2023 as the association’s official legacy project to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

He noted that the vision behind the project was to establish a world-class innovation centre capable of preparing students for the future through technology, entrepreneurship, research, creativity and problem-solving.

Eze said the hub would offer programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development.

According to him, the facility is designed to empower students to become creators of opportunities rather than mere consumers of technology.

He added that the project aligns with the economic aspirations of both Enugu State and Nigeria by nurturing future innovators, entrepreneurs, software developers, engineers, scientists and business leaders.

Eze further explained that the centre would promote creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and enterprise development while contributing to job creation, investment attraction and broader economic growth.

“The facility is conceived as a green building incorporating environmentally sustainable features that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental awareness,” he stated.

Responding, the Principal of Federal Government College, Enugu, Mr Ezekiel Ogbuanya, expressed delight over the project, describing it as a dream fulfilled for the institution.

He said the innovation hub would position the school to effectively participate in Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations conducted by major examination bodies, including WAEC and NECO.

“I am confident that this project will be completed and will significantly improve the learning environment in the school while the borehole will end water scarcity in the school,” Ogbuanya said.

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Dan Enimali, commended the alumni association for initiating the project and encouraged other old students’ associations across the country to emulate the gesture.

He assured the association of the ministry’s support and recognition for projects that contribute meaningfully to educational development.

In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Obeagu Ugwuaji, Igwe Chris Nnia, lauded the alumni body for extending its intervention beyond the school to the host community through medical outreach programmes.

He pledged the support of the community towards the successful completion of the project.

Highlights of the event included a free medical outreach during which about 500 students, teachers and residents of the Ugwuaji community received treatment for various ailments, as well as the inauguration of the FGCEOSA Alumni Secretariat within the school premises.

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