By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The efforts of the federal government in the educational advancement of the country has received a major boost with the establishment of a new University known as FortLugard University in the Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT in Abuja.

To ensure full actualization of institution, the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Senate Building and the Faculty of Computer Sciences of the proposed university was performed on Friday at the permanent site in Apo, Abuja.

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghe laid foundation stone for the expansive Senate Building while the Minister of Special Duties and Inter Government Affairs, Honourable Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo laid foundation for the Faculty of Computer Sciences Building.

Justice Onnoghe in his brief remarks commended the founder and Chancellor of the university, Elder Ogwu James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN for his foresight and courage in venturing into promotion of education in the country.

He said that a country without well educated, vibrant and properly brought up youths through education is doomed.

Special Duties Minister, Jisalo thanked the university founder for establishing it at the FCT adding that apart from creating massive employment, the youths in the territory would have more access to quality education through the university.

He appealed to the host community to jealousy guide and protect the University and its workers because of massive derivable benefits.

Earlier in his speech, the founder and Chancellor of the university, Dr Ogwu James Onoja had said that occasion was not merely a ceremonial gathering but a convergence of vision, faith, and purpose.

He said that it was a day that symbolizes progress and announces steady movement towards establishing a world-class university that wilt redefine excellence in higher education in Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, ‘We began activities on the proposed FortLugard University site with road construction, fencing and excavation.

“Just a few days ago, we laid the foundation of the Ukala School of Engineering and Technology (USET), another major pillar of this great institution, with the foundation stone laid by Emmanuel Ukala, SAN.

‘That landmark event marked the beginning of the physical realization of a long-held dream of Engineering and Innovation.

“Today, we continue that journey. We are not waiting for tomorrow. We are building consistently, deliberately, and strategically, brick by brick, vision by vision.

“FortLugard University is conceived as a transformational institution that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of teaching and learning. It is designed to be an intellectual powerhouse that will produce graduates with the character, competence, and creativity to influence society positively.

“Our vision is to build a world-class university that stands as a beacon of academic excellence, moral integrity, technological Innovation, and global competitiveness; an institution where knowledge is not only acquired but created, applied, and used to advance human progress.

“Our mission captures the heart of our commitment: to deliver cutting-edge academic programmes grounded in values, discipline, and world-class standards; to nurture leaders and professionals equipped with deep intellectual capacity, innovative thinking, and strong ethical values.

“To promote research, creativity, and industry-driven learning that will address local and global challenges; to create an enabling environment where technology, modern infrastructure, and global partnerships drive learning and discovery; to build a campus that Is serene, safe, sustainable, and designed with the future in mind.

“We are not merely constructing buildings, we are constructing destinies. We are raising an institution that will shape the next generation of thinkers, inventors, policy leaders, social reformers, and nation-builders.

“The Senate Building we break ground for today will become the heart of academic governance. It will house the intellectual and administrative and leadership that ensures academic integrity, quality assurance, curriculum development and policy direction.

“Without a credible Senate, no institution can claim the status of a university. This structure will therefore stand as the symbol of academic honour and institutional stability.

“The Foundation Stone of the Senate Building which represents the heart and soul of this institution will upon completion be named after Justice Walter Onnoghe.

“The Faculty of Computer Sciences represents the future of education. The world is advancing rapidly through artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, software engineering, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

“Nations today are powered not by natural resources alone, but by knowledge, innovation, and technological capacity. This Faculty will become a Centre of Excellence where young minds are trained to innovate, create, and compete globally.

“This university is a monumental undertaking. To achieve a truly world-class institution, we need continued support from government, private sector partners, philanthropists, development agencies, and individuals of goodwill.

“We invite everyone who shares our dream to join hands with us. Let us build a university that will stand as a legacy for generations, an institution that offers opportunities, transforms lives, and advances the progress of our nation.

“Today we plant seeds that will grow into a forest of possibilities. Today, we declare to the world that the proposed FortLugard University is rising strong, bold, and by God’s grace will be world-class”, the Chancellor assured.