The Old Girls Association of the Federal Government College (FGC) Abuloma has handed over legacy projects worth ₦50 million to the school, as part of its efforts to promote quality education for the girl-child.
The donated projects include four STEAM-enabled smart classrooms, 23 laptops, and the rehabilitation of the hostel’s water reticulation system, among other initiatives.
Speaking during the school’s 50th anniversary celebration held on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Minister of Education, Mr. Maruf Alausa, commended the association for its contributions.
The event, themed “Roots to Golden Fruits: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present and Empowering the Future,” highlighted the school’s journey over the past five decades.
Represented by Mrs. Iyang Ukpe, Director and Principal of FGC Port Harcourt, the Minister praised the theme, describing it as fitting and reflective of the founders’ vision.
Alausa noted that the projects clearly demonstrate the association’s commitment to advancing education for girls. He described the introduction of smart classrooms as transformative, adding that the ₦50 million investment represents a deliberate step toward preparing students for future opportunities.
“This initiative reflects your dedication to students’ welfare, which aligns with the federal government’s priorities,” he said. “These facilities will equip our students to compete globally in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. In addition to this, you have provided 23 laptops to enhance learning in the school’s Biology Laboratory and library, and restored clean water to the hostels through the rehabilitation of the water system.”
A STEAM-enabled classroom integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to create an interactive and problem-solving learning environment.
The association’s National President, Mrs. Itoro Isong, explained that the donation represents one of the group’s many ways of giving back to their alma mater. She emphasized that the college played a key role in building strong moral foundations for women of character and excellence.
She urged students to make good use of the new facilities, noting that the school has always stood as a symbol of excellence, unity, and progress.
“Our school was founded to be more than just a place of learning; it has been a beacon of light, shaping young minds and moulding future leaders,” Isong said. “Over the last fifty years, the college has produced outstanding professionals who continue to make positive contributions to national development as entrepreneurs, politicians, and public servants.”
Also speaking at the event, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Chairman of Platform Petroleum Company, praised the Old Girls Association for their role in promoting education, especially for girls. He further donated ₦20 million to support education development.
Lulu-Briggs described women as empathetic leaders who uphold societal values and expressed optimism about seeing a female president emerge in Nigeria’s future.
Political and business leaders who attended the anniversary celebration called for unity and cooperation among politicians in the state to drive sustainable development.