FGC Enugu Alumni begin N2bn Innovation Hub Project

Education

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government College Enugu Old Students Association (FGCEOSA) has commenced the construction of a ₦2 billion Innovation Hub designed to equip students with digital skills and prepare them for opportunities in the technology-driven economy.

The association disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the FGCEOSA Innovation Hub held at 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, Chairman of the Innovation Hub Planning Committee, Mr Odera Udutchay, described the project as a major milestone in the history of the institution.

He said the hub would serve as a centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, research collaboration and technological advancement for current and future generations of students.

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

According to him, the project will cost about ₦2 billion, covering the construction of the facility, digital infrastructure, equipment and personnel required to operate the centre.

He explained that the project would be implemented 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, the President of FGCEOSA, Mr Nnadozie Eze, said the initiative was conceived in 2023 as the flagship legacy project of the association’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Eze said the vision was to establish a world-class innovation centre that would prepare students for the future through technology, research, entrepreneurship, creativity and problem-solving.

He noted that the facility would offer programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and leadership development.

According to him, the hub is designed to transform students from consumers of technology into creators of solutions and opportunities.

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

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

In his remarks, the Principal of the college, Mr Ezekiel Ogbuanya, described the project as a dream come true for the institution.

Ogbuanya said the innovation hub would enhance the school’s capacity to participate effectively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations conducted by bodies such as 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 institution,” he said.

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Dan Enimali, commended the alumni association for the initiative and urged other old students’ groups across the country to emulate the gesture.

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

The Traditional Ruler of Obeagu Ugwuaji, Igwe Chris Nnia, also praised the alumni association for supporting both the school and its host community through medical outreach programmes.

He pledged the community’s support 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 Alumni Secretariat within the school premises.