Abia Governor Inaugurates FEDT Board to Revive Historic Government College Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has inaugurated the newly constituted Government College Umuahia Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) Board to drive reforms aimed at restoring the institution’s lost glory.

The board, chaired by Dr. Chinedu Ahaiwe, National President of the Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association, was inaugurated at the Cabinet Office, Umuahia. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Governor Otti emphasized that his administration’s education agenda is focused on creating an enabling environment for students to excel and compete globally.

The Governor noted that the revival of Government College Umuahia aligns with the State Government’s broader vision of rejuvenating public schools and building a society that fosters excellence.

“Our goal is to create initiatives that improve society, restore our schools, and provide a conducive environment for students to thrive and graduate as world-class competitors,” Otti stated. He further explained that the government’s initiatives—ranging from road construction to payment of salaries and pensions—are designed to build a better society that everyone will be proud of.

Speaking on behalf of the board, Dr. Ahaiwe thanked the Abia State Government for its support, recalling the school’s rich heritage since its founding by Rev. Robert Fisher in the 1920s, earning it the title “Eton of the East.”

“Disturbed by the school’s decline, we approached the State Government to take over its management, and we are grateful for the positive response,” Ahaiwe said. He added that the FEDT is the vehicle for the school’s restoration and praised the pioneer board for its contributions over the past 11 years, expressing confidence that the new board will build on those achievements.

The inauguration was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, Permanent Secretaries, and prominent members of the Old Boys Association.