Government College, Umuahia Gets New Board as Govt Begins Implementation of Abia Assembly Resolution

The newly appointed members of Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) Board, for Government College,have been inaugurated by the Abia State Government.

Inaugurating the new board at the cabinet office, Umuahia, Abia State Governor Alex Otti said that, his task and initiatives in the education sector of the State is geared towards creating enabling environment for students to excel.

The Governor, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu noted that, there is need to restore the lost glory of Government College Umuahia.

He said that the inauguration of the new FEDT Board aligns with the broad vision and action plan of the State Government, adding that, his government is taking initiatives that would restore lost glories of public schools.

“The government aims to take initiatives that will improve society, create a better environment, and ensure that schools like Government College Umuahia are restored to their former glory,” he said.

“The tasks we do here are tasks geared towards expanding the public good, creating a good environment where our students, can go and then graduate and be able to compete effectively with students from other parts of the world.

“So, what we are doing today is also in line with the broad general vision and action of the government.
Initiatives that will make society better.”

The Governor pointed out that the initiatives are aimed at changing the narratives of the State and create the kind of society everybody would want to live in.

“The task we are doing today is not just another ceremony. It’s another show of what the government stands for.

Responding on behalf of other members of the Government College Umuahia Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) Board, the National President of Government College, Umuahia, Old Boys Association, Dr. Chinedu Ahiwe, expressed gratitude to Abia State Government for supporting their efforts to revive the school.

Dr. Ahiwe highlighted the rich history and legacy of Government College Umuahia, which was founded by Rev. Robert Fisher in the 1920s and known as the “Eton of the East”

He explained why they proposed that the State government takes over the school’s management.

“Alarmed by the decline (of the institution), we approached the Abia State Government with a proposal to take over the school’s management, restore its dignity and preserve its rich heritage.

“We are eternally grateful to the State Government for graciously acceding to this request,” Dr. Ahiwe noted.

Dr. Ahiwe further said that the Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) is a special purpose vehicle to drive the restoration project and commended the pioneer board for its contributions for almost 11 years.  

He expressed the hope that the new board would build on the achievements of the pioneer board. He equally higlighted some expectations of the new board from the State Government.

The new FEDT Board of Trustees members, inclusive of the two Abia State Government nominees are –

1. Dr. Chinedum Ahaiwe
2. Dr. Eugene Ndimele
3. Emeritus Prof. Clifford So-ngo Teme
4. Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede
5. Hon. Justice Obisike Oji (rtd.)
6. Prof. Emeka Aniagolu
7. Dr. Okey Madukwe
8. Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor
9. Sir Kingsley Agomuo.