Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has formally inaugurated the new Government College Umuahia Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) Board.
Inaugurating the board headed by the National President of the Government College Umuahia, Old Boys Association, Dr. Chinedu Ahaiwe, at the cabinet office, Umuahia, Governor Otti said that his task and initiatives in the education sector of the State are geared towards creating an enabling environment for students to excel.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, noted that there is a 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 the 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.
“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,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti pointed out that the initiatives he is taking are aimed at changing the narratives of the State and creating the kind of society everybody would want to live in.
“So, when we see our schools shut down, our hospitals in dilapidated states, and our roads unmotorable. When we take actions to fix them, we are creating a society, an environment, that everybody will be happy about.
“So, the task we are doing today is not just another ceremony. It’s another show of what the government stands for.
“Taking initiatives, whether it is fixing nutrition for the young, building roads, whether it is paying salaries and pensions, everything is geared towards creating the kind of better society we all desire,” he maintained.
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 the Abia State Government for supporting their efforts to revive the school.
He highlighted the rich history and legacy of Government College Umuahia, which was founded by Rev. Robert Fisher in the 1920s and is known as the “Eton of the East,” and explained why they proposed that the State government take 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 highlighted some expectations of the new board from the State Government.
Top government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin
Okezie Meregini, Permanent Secretaries, and revered members of the Government College Old Boys Association were present at the inauguration.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
24-07-2025.
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