By Alex Enebeli
The Federal Government College Enugu Old Students Association (FGCEOSA) has commenced the construction of a N2 billion Innovation Hub aimed at preparing students with the opportunities in the digital economy.
The association disclosed this on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the FGCEOSA Innovation Hub held at Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association also inaugurated a solar-powered borehole donated by SON Eze Trust Foundation in partnership with the alumni body to improve water supply in the school.
Speaking at the event, Leader of the Innovation Hub Planning Committee, Mr Odera Udutchay, described the project as a significant milestone in the history of the college.
According to him, the hub is designed to serve as a transformative centre that will inspire creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, research collaboration and technological advancement among present 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,” he said.
Udutchay disclosed that the project would cost about N2 billion, covering the construction of the facility, digital infrastructure, equipment and manpower required to operate the centre.
According to him, the project will be implemented in phases over two years, with the first phase involving civil, mechanical and electrical works expected to be completed within one year.
Also speaking, President of FGCEOSA, Mr Nnadozie Eze, said the project was conceived in 2023 as the official legacy project of the association’s 50th anniversary celebration.
He said the vision was to establish a world-class innovation centre that would prepare students for the future through technology, entrepreneurship, research, creativity and problem-solving.
Eze said the facility would offer programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
He noted that the hub would help students become creators of opportunities rather than consumers of technology.
According to him, the project aligns with the economic aspirations of Enugu State and Nigeria by nurturing future innovators, entrepreneurs, software developers, engineers, scientists and business leaders.
He added that the hub would foster creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and enterprise development while contributing to job creation, investment attraction and economic growth.
“The facility is conceived as a green building incorporating environmentally sustainable features that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental awareness.”
Responding, the Principal of the college, Mr Ezekiel Ogbuanya, expressed delight over the project, describing it as a dream come true for the institution.
Ogbuanya said the innovation hub would position the school to participate effectively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations conducted by examination 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 school,” he said.
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Dan Enimali, commended the alumni association for initiating the project and urged other old students to emulate the gesture.
He assured the association of the ministry’s recognition and support for projects that contribute to educational development.
In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Obeagu Ugwuaji, Igwe Chris Nnia, expressed appreciation to the alumni association for extending its support beyond the school to the 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 Ugwuaji community received treatment for various ailments, as well as the inauguration of the Alumni Secretariat within the school premises. (NAN)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
