The Federal Government College Enugu Old Students Association (FGCEOSA) has commenced the construction of a N2 billion Innovation Hub aimed at equipping students with skills and opportunities in the digital economy.

The association disclosed this on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the FGCEOSA Innovation Hub at Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu.

As part of activities marking the event, the alumni body also inaugurated a solar-powered borehole donated by the SON Eze Trust Foundation in partnership with FGCEOSA to improve water supply within the school. In addition, a free medical outreach was organized, providing treatment to about 500 students, teachers, and residents of the Ugwuaji community.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Leader of the Innovation Hub Planning Committee, Mr. Odera Udutchay, described the project as a significant milestone in the history of the institution.

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 approximately N2 billion, covering the construction of the facility, digital infrastructure, equipment, and manpower required for its operation.

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

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

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

According to Eze, the facility will offer programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

He emphasized that the hub would help students become creators of opportunities rather than mere consumers of technology.

“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 said.

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

He further revealed that the facility is being designed 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 effectively participate 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 put an end to water scarcity in the institution,” 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’ associations across the country to emulate the gesture.

He assured the association of the ministry’s recognition and support for initiatives 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 cooperation and support toward the successful completion of the project.

Highlights of the event included the groundbreaking ceremony for the Innovation Hub, inauguration of the solar-powered borehole, and the free medical outreach for students, staff, and members of the host community.