Abia State Governor Alex Otti has successfully resolved the lingering crisis at Government College Umuahia by inaugurating a new Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) Board, headed by Chinedu Ahaiwe, the National President of Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association.
The crisis began earlier this year when a petition by Mr. Chukwudi Onwudinanti alleged exorbitant school fees of one million naira per student, potentially excluding academically qualified students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These allegations prompted an investigation by the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petitions.
During the inauguration ceremony in Umuahia, Governor Otti, represented by the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, emphasized that his administration's educational initiatives aim to create an enabling environment for students to excel academically.
"There is a need to restore the lost glory of Government College Umuahia and other schools in the state," the governor stated, adding that his administration is working toward "creating a society everybody would be happy about."
In his acceptance speech, Ahaiwe expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government for supporting their efforts to revive the prestigious institution. He highlighted the rich history and legacy of Government College Umuahia while explaining the rationale behind proposing state government takeover of the school's management.
Ahaiwe described the FEDT as a "special-purpose vehicle to drive the restoration project" and commended the pioneer board for its contributions over the past 11 years. He promised that the new board would accommodate the interests of parents and brilliant students, suggesting a more inclusive approach to admissions and fee structure.
The inauguration marks a significant step in addressing concerns about accessibility and quality of education at one of Nigeria's oldest and most prestigious secondary schools, known for producing notable alumni who have contributed significantly to national development.
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