Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association has appealed to the state government to intervene in the rot,abuse and mismanagement of the once revered school by the Old boys under FEDT(Fisher Education Trust Fund)currently in charge of the school’s administration.

In a petition addressed to the State house of assembly by the petitioner who also represents the GCUOBA Arc Chidi Onwudinanti ably represented by Ugochukwu C.Zik Esq who is equally an old boy of Government college umuahia.

Ugochukwu Esq while addressing the members of the house of assembly joint committee of education,public petitions and judiciary led by Hon Emeka Obioma,member representing Umuahia north state constituency and other members of the old boys at the Abia state house of assembly complex Umuahia lamented the sorry state of the once reverred institution which has produced noble men across all walks of life.

According to the lawyer “sometimes around 21st July 2014 the Abia state government entered a memorandum of understanding (Mou) with the GCUOBA for the GCUOBA wherein the Abia state government agreed to create a trust over Government college Umuahia.

And to appoint GCUOBA (Government college Umuahia Old boys Association) as “trustees” to the trust for GCUOBA to take over the ownership of government college as “trustee” under a trust.Inorder to give effect to the provisions of MOU,the GCUOBA incorporated a trust known as fisher Education Trust Fund(FEDT) inorder to segregate the GCUOBA’s sundry activities as an Old Boy’s Association from its duties as trustee of the education trust.

FEDT(Fisher Education Trust Fund) was incorporated as Special purpose vehicle(SPV) that shall solely focus on running the school based on GCUOBA’,s vision of bringing back the school to its original standard.In exercise of GCUOBA’s obligation as agreed in the MOU.This decision was brought to the knowledge of the Abia state government which was accepted by her.

Consequent upon the foregoing background,a Deed of Trust was executed to give effect to the provisions of the MOU.The Deed has the ABSG as settler ,GCUOBA and the FEDT as the Trustee.it is noteworthy that the paragraphs C to E and 13(a) of the Deed of
Trust expressly states these foregoing facts.

It is equally noteworthy that the National President of the GCUOBA at the time that applied to the state government for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy over Government college Umuahia thus the ownership of GCU(Government College Umuahia) was accordingly handed over to GCUOBA through FEDT which is the special purpose vehicle by which the GCUOBA took back the school.

He expressed deep worry and concern that a few years after the successful take over of the school by the oldboys.it dawned on the constituent and a vast majority of the public that the school was being run contrary to the purpose for which it was handed over to the Old Boys by the Abia state government.

Some of the anomalies witnessed since the take over by the old boys under the FEDT includes:

Inability of children from poor backgrounds to access the school due to exorbitant fees which is pegged at over # 1,000,000(1m) per session. The management of the school have turned it to a private school which only the bourgeois class can afford while neglecting the average and poor families which goes against the original ideals of the school.

He stressed further that many of them wouldn’t have been privileged to attend Government college Umuahia back then if the managers of the school were inconsiderate to the poor by charging exorbitant fees just as the current managers are doing now. They gave a level playing ground to both the rich and the poor which is the core mandate of the school.

He also regrettably stated that the present managers of government college Umuahia are speedily destroying the arcane and archival history, monuments and traditions as well as the sentimental values that make GCU what it is.

“The conservative school uniform(Pink and brown) have been changed ,the upper and lower fields have been fenced by the school managers.worse still,the iconic AD block (the global symbol of Umuahia) been left in decay and ruin.ancient and archival structures like Gozens house,wareham House and school house have been pulled down and converted to a lawn.the speedy vandalization of these archival assets run contrary to the charge given by ABSG to the old boys to upgrade and not to destroy it”.

He further decried the nonchalant attitude of the olds boys who always feign ignorance when approached by the GCUOBA to tell them how they’re running the school who maintained that they’re no longer answerable to the GCUOBA or either the government but rather an independent body.

He equally revealed that out of the Members constituting the FEDT that the state government has no representative since 2015.

“As we speak there’s no member representing the ABSG.the last time anybody represented Abia state government was in 2015( late Micah Onyebuchi then head of ASUBEB and Monica Philips former Commissioner of education) therefore in effect Abia Government has no input or oversight function whatsoever into how its pre-eminent secondary school Government College Umuahia has been run since 2015”.

The managers of the school under FEDT has mismanaged and plundered the school despite the old boys huge monetary contribution running into billions to resuscitate and revive the lost glory of this great school.

Ugochukwu Esq who represents the petitioner Arc Chukwudi Onwudinanti on behalf of the GCUOBA therefore called on the government to intervene in the matter and therefore made some demands which includes:

1.That the whole agreement between Abia state government and GCUOBA be reexamined and redrawn to ensure that the Government college Umuahia and its assets remain the property of Abia state government and the people

2.the management body reconstituted to represent and protect the interest of Abia state government,GCUOBA and the public

3.the new body to determine and evaluate the fees and uniform of GCU to reflect the interest of the public while retaining the essence of GCU as a state heritage and landmark of historic value in the state.

4.that the certificate of occupancy of occupancy(COC) of GCU land and assets be returned immediately to the Abia state government.

5.That GCU be pronounced without equivocation to be a public school owned by Abia state government run and managed by GCUOBA

The National President of GCUOBA Dr Chinedum Ahaiwe while speaking still echoed the same sentiment by the petitioner and therefore begged the state house of assembly and Dr Alex Otti led government to make sure that Government College Umuahia returns to its past glory by taking all necessary actions required of them via reviewing all the agreements reached with the FEDT to make sure the school is once again properly managed,affordable for all students both rich and poor and also adequately represents the interest of the general public.

He equally expressed confidence that house members present during the hearing through their calm countenance will do everything within their power to resolve this issue facing the once reverred Government College Umuahia.

The deputy speaker and member representing Umuahia East state constituency Rt Hon Austin Ugochukwu Meregini while speaking with newsmen at the end of the public hearing said

“this hearing is an attempt to settle a misunderstanding between two brothers, at this stage the joint committee on public petition and education are just getting to know the matter on ground

We’ve heard from GCUOBA and on Thursday 27th March when sitting will hold again ,FEDT will also be here to defend themselves after which compromise will be reached.

He stated that the committee is holding forth their opinion until they get all the facts from the petitioner GCUOBA and FEDT which will enable them come up with a report
and therefore expressed confidence that the whole issue will be resolved amicably.

The Vice Chancellor of Amadeus University,Amizi,Ikwuano local government area Abia state Prof Samuel Nzotta has emphasized that the institution is fully committed in producing graduates well equipped with 21st century digital skills.

He made this call At the University senate chamber Amizi Ikwuano during a press conference organised as part of the activities lined up for the matriculation ceremony and official opening of the institution in a bid to intimate the general public about the history,mission and vision of Amadeus University inorder for them to know the progress made so far since the great citadel of learning began its operation.

University Library

Prof Nzotta during his address extolled the noble virtues of the university Proprietor Dr Godwin Nwabunka ,the sole financier of the university since its inception who has used his vast wealth of experience to establish the institution for the sole aim of producing morally , competent,self employable,self-reliable and productive graduates fit for the 21st century digital world.

Cross section of journalists at the press conference

The University Don revealed that the team of Nigerian universities commission ( NUC) which visited the institution on April 2024 approved 19 programmes under four(4) faculties.

The approved programmes by the NUC includes:

(A) Facility of Engineering

• B.Eng Computer Engineering
• B.Eng Electrical and Electronics Engineering

(B)Faculty of Science and Computing

• B.Sc Computer Security
• B.Sc Cyber Security
• B.Sc Information Technology
• B.Sc Microbiology
• B.Sc Software Engineering
• B.Sc Biotechnology
• B.Sc forensic Science
• B.Sc Data Science

(C).Faculty of Social and Management sciences

• B.Sc Business Administration
• B.Sc Entrepreneurship
• B.Sc Mass Communication
• B.Sc Accounting
• B.Sc Economics

(D).Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

• B.MLS Medical Laboratory
• B.N.Sc Nursing Science
• B.Sc Public Health
• DPT Physiotherapy

He equally disclosed that the university had commenced lectures on october 28 2024 and since then academic progress has undergone unhindered while also
announcing that the matriculation ceremony of the institution will take place on February 8 2025 which will attract the presence of the Senate President of the federation Sen Godswill Akpabio as the special guest of honour ,Dr Alex Chioma Otti executive governor of Abia,JAMB and NUC officials and a host of other dignitaries.

According to Prof Samuel ” World class learning facilities have been put in place for effective learning the university is committed to providing students with an exceptional learning experience that extends beyond text books and classroom work.

The University have put in place an excellent serene and conducive environment and modern classrooms equipped with smart boards to facilitate effective teaching.

He also added that the university has established a full complement of teaching staff who are disciplined, diligent , competent and highly motivated to run its academic program seamlessly with attractive incentive packages provided to give them a sense of belonging.

While acknowledging research as a major propelling tool in every institution of learning the vice Chancellor boasted that the university has prioritized it as an important pillar of its activities with the founder/ Proprietor providing an initial research fund of #10M to kickstart research activities.

He also disclosed that the university has accelerated the process of establishing some collaborations with various universities within and outside the country while also mentioning that some collaborations with research based institutions and corporate bodies have also been put in place.

In actualizing the collaborations,the university has commenced the process of establishing linkages which offer exchange Programmes for staff and students to prepare them for global competitiveness.

The University has also commenced the process of establishing a memorandum of understanding with some professional bodies to ensure that the curriculum of these courses meet professional standards.

He also gave an assurance that the processes for the accreditation of professional courses by the professional bodies have been accelerated and shall be concluded very soon.

On ICT( information and communication technology) Prof Uzotta said that the ICT facilities in the university have been consistently upgraded to meet global standards.the university have made progress in ensuring full internet access in the campus.

He also revealed that the proprietor of the University have established scholarship schemes for best performing students in all faculties of the university and indigent students of the university and staff members of Grooming centre who gained admission into the university.

Inorder to ensure constant electricity in the university, 250Kw solar farm have been completed and installed in the university in addition to the installation of a 500kva transformer for a step down of electric power from the national grid.

Also,high quality and standard hostel accommodations alongside sporting and recreational facilities to keep the body and soul refreshed has also been provided for the students of the university.

The University VC also noted that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure maximum security on campus through the installation of CCTV cameras most especialy in the hostels .

In a bid to enhance the visibility of the institution to the prospective admission candidates, the Vice Chancellor said that the university management has established a modern and technologically advanced JAMB Computer Based Test (CBT) centre which will positively affect the inflow and choice of students into the university during the annual JAMB admission exercise.

While fielding questions from the newsmen present, when asked on the selling point and what makes the university unique and why anyone would choose Amadeus.

The Vice Chancellor proudly stated that the school facilities are top notch and can’t be compared to any institution in the country.

He also mentioned some of the unique 21st century courses like
Forensic science,Data science ,Cyber security and Information Technology which the university offers.

“We have courses that will make candidates to be equipped for the digital world ,our programmes are technologically driven” he boasted.

On how to maximize Agricultural potential of the institution and increase food output he disclosed that the institution have acquired large expanse of land for the sole purpose of commercial farming.

The University don equally stated that one of the challenges confronting the university is its low visibility to the public space but expressed confidence that they’re aggressively tackling it through the instrumentality of the media .

He finally urged the government to encourage research in all universities both private and public through providing adequate funding because of its immense benefits to the society .

The registrar Dr Ernest Onuoha earlier in his address thanked the university management for their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth running of the institution and equally admonished Parents to bring their wards to the great Citadel of learning Amadeus University.

Members of the governing board of the university present at the conference includes
• Professor Okugo Uzoma Dean,Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
Chairman, Publicity Subcommittee, Amadeus University

• Professor Ugbogu Osita: Dean, Academic Planning

• Mr Augustine Ugorji: Bursar

• Dr Ngozi Ukachi: University Librarian

Others includes:

• Professor Nnorom Chidi: Dean, Faculty of Science and Computing

• Professor Nkiruka Azubuike : Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

• Dr Kalu Ejibe : Dean, Students Affairs

The importance of education in elevating a society can never be overemphasized. it is often described as the bed rock of every thriving society which helps to advance both personal and national development.

This necessitated the timely intervention of Dr Godwin Nwabunka,a lover of education,a philanthropist par excellence to channel his resources to renovate and reconstruct St Peter’s secondary school Awomnuzie Awomnizie Ikwuano LGA,Abia state to the amazement of all.

The institution which was the brain child of very Rev Fr Donatus Okpokpo who was intent on contributing a vehicle for spiritual formation to the work of umuahia diocese after the completion of his studies on Innsbruck ,Austria in 1985. Despite some earlier setbacks encountered,Dr Godwin Nwabunka took it upon himself and through the Grooming Centre renovated the institution to a world class standard.

The chairman of the occasion Dr Noel Ihebuzo in his address described Dr Godwin Nwabunka as an Amazon and beacon of hope to the people of Amizi Awomnuzie community through his developmental strides.

According to him “the level of support we got from Dr Godwin Nwabunka in renovating this institution is very massive.he has planted the seed of progress ,development to his community.

“He has made the dreams of the children come through.the students who once stayed in a dilapidated classroom can now learn in a peaceful and conductive atmosphere with world class facilities which makes learning effective and efficient.

“When a very busy man keeps a promise it is usually something magnificent.This massive Project will not just be owned by the church but rather the whole community.In two years time this place will be better than we met it.

Dr Noel therefore advised other illustrious sons of the community to imitate Dr Godwin Nwabunka in his good deeds inorder to attract quality developmental projects to the community.

In his remarks,the senator representing Abia central in the red chambers Sen col Augustine Akobundu Rtd who is equally an illustrious son of the Ikwuano community thanked Dr Godwin Nwabunka who he labelled a big brother for his good works to the community ever since he knew him.

Sen Akobundu on his part promised to continue to do everything within his means as a politician and lawmaker to attract development most especially infrastructure like good roads ,quality schools which is very much lacking in their domain.

The lawmaker ,a lover of education himself encouraged youths even graduates to engage in acquisition of digital skills which is very high in demand at the moment as he is championing that as a lawmaker through enrolment of over a thousand of his constituents to a six(6) weeks ICT skills programe .

In addition to that also over a thousand teachers have been engaged in different programs to enhance their teaching skills inorder to impact good knowledge to the students under their care.

He equally assured the people that in no distant time work will begin on the Ikot Ekpene Ikwuano road which has now become a death trap due to years of neglect.

sen Akobundu in his magnanimity also promised to provide solar power to the renovated St Peter’s secondary as part of his contribution and support to the institution.

The Principal of the school Rev fr Joseph and the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia diocese Most Rev Dr Michael Ukpong during their address praised Dr Godwin Nwabunka for his kind hearted gesture towards the institution.

In their words,” a generous person will prosper,whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.the philanthropic gesture of Dr Godwin Nwabunka is extremely magnificent.

“he equipped the school with modern and world class facilities to nurture the spirit soul and body of the students.

“Education is the most important weapon which can be used to change the world.

“A conductive and comfortable atmosphere has been provided for these young students to excel in their academic pursuit which will translate to raising bright minds that will add meaningful development to their various communities and the world at large.

Bishop Ukpong specifically described education as the corner stone of personal growth and equally thanked Dr Godwin Nwabunka for his magnanimity in using his wealth to impact the masses despite not been a politician.

He emphasised that the school which is been managed by the Catholic church isn’t for day students alone and therefore beckoned on individuals and group who are willing to invest in hostel facilities to come forward,build the hostels recoup their profits and finally hand it over fully to the church.

Bishop Ukpong warned against vandalizing of properties in the school premises as this is very common amongst us and thereafter pleaded that the school will be needing expansion of classrooms due to massive influx of students as a result of the recent upgrade and renovation of the school.

He described St Peter’s nursery,primary and Secondary school as pace setters and advised parents to bring their wards to the school and subsequently to Amadeus University as this will make them stand out in the society.

Dr Godwin Nwabunka the Ceo and the founder of Grooming centre in a visibly happy mood thanked Almighty God for the completion of this laudable project despite the various challenges encountered.

He equally commended the brain child behind this project very Rev Fr Donatus Okpokpo for his commitment,effort and moral support towards its actualization

According to him “when you look at the entire commitment,the vision,the energy,what the entire church and ecosytem have put you see that we have done very well.

Dr Godwin however stressed that the journey has just begun as building infrastructure is one thing and bringing the needed hands to sustain,manage and scale it up inorder to attract people across the country.

He said “that they are building a bridge between St Peter’s secondary school and Amadeus University which he happen to be the founder so that it will be a complete learning centre from kindergarten to primary to secondary and the university which will help to equip the student intellect in innovation and research.

When quizzed on what motivated him to take up this massive project Dr Nwabunka stated that very Rev Fr Donatus Okpokpo initiated the noble idea which gave birth to the establishment of this institution until it was eventually completed after several years despite the students sitting on the floor in classroom without windows.

He pleaded on the government to provide an enabling environment through provision of roads and adequate security to facilitate learning.

Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of welcome song by t and cultural dance display by the students to the admiration of dignitaries present.