Otti Inaugurates FEDT Board, Restores Stability at Government College Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has resolved the lingering crisis at Government College Umuahia with the formal inauguration of the new Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) Board, chaired by Chinedu Ahaiwe.

The appointment comes in response to a petition earlier this year by Mr. Chukwudi Onwudinanti, who alleged that students were being charged up to ₦1 million in fees—posing a serious burden on less privileged families and raising concerns about mismanagement.

The allegations prompted an investigation by the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petitions, which led to reforms aimed at restoring transparency and order.

In a ceremony held in Umuahia, Governor Otti—represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu—reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reviving public education and re-establishing the historic status of Government College Umuahia.

“This administration is determined to create an enabling environment where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education,” the governor stated. “Government College Umuahia holds a special place in our state’s legacy, and we are committed to restoring its lost glory.”

The newly constituted FEDT Board will serve as a special-purpose vehicle to guide the restoration and transformation of the school, which is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious secondary institutions.

Responding on behalf of the board, Chinedu Ahaiwe, who also serves as National President of the Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association, expressed deep appreciation for the state government’s intervention and pledged to prioritize the interests of parents and academically gifted students.

“Government College Umuahia is not just a school; it’s a legacy,” Ahaiwe noted. “With the establishment of this board, we are poised to rebuild a school that continues to shape leaders for the future.”

Ahaiwe also lauded the outgoing pioneer board members for their 11 years of dedication and laid out a roadmap for collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of the institution.

The move by Governor Otti has been widely applauded as a proactive step toward stabilizing education in Abia and promoting inclusivity, accountability, and quality in the state’s public school system.