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

The alumni association also inaugurated a solar-powered borehole during the groundbreaking ceremony of the FGCEOSA Innovation Hub held at Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu.

The solar-powered borehole was donated by the SON Eze Trust Foundation in partnership with the alumni body to improve water supply in the school.

Similarly, the association organised a free medical outreach during which about 500 students, teachers and residents of the Ugwuaji community in Enugu South Local Government Area received treatment for various ailments.

Leader of the Innovation Hub Planning Committee, Odera Udutchay, told dignitaries gathered at the event that the project marks a significant milestone in the history of the college.

He stated that 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.

President of FGCEOSA, Nnadozie Eze, said the project was conceived in 2023 as the official legacy project of the association’s 50th anniversary celebration.

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

Eze further noted that 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.

Eze also stated that the facility is being conceived as a green building incorporating environmentally sustainable features that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental awareness.

An elated principal of the college, Ezekiel Ogbuanya, described the project as a dream come true for the institution.

He 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, Dan Enimali, commended the alumni association for initiating the project and urged other old students’ associations to emulate the gesture.

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

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.