By Our Correspondent
The federal government’s drive to enhance educational development in the country has received a significant uplift with the establishment of a new institution, FortLugard University, located in the Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
As part of efforts to bring the university to full realization, the foundation-laying ceremony for its Senate Building and Faculty of Computer Sciences took place on Friday at the permanent site in Apo.
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, performed the foundation-laying for the expansive Senate Building, while the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, laid the foundation stone for the Faculty of Computer Sciences.
In his brief remarks, Justice Onnoghen commended the founder and Chancellor of the proposed university, Elder Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), for his vision and bold commitment to advancing education in Nigeria. He stressed that no nation can thrive without well-educated, vibrant, and properly nurtured youths.
The Minister of Special Duties also applauded the initiative, noting that the establishment of the university in the FCT will not only generate employment opportunities but will also expand access to quality education for youths within the territory. He urged the host community to protect the institution and support its development.
Earlier, the university founder and Chancellor, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, described the occasion as a convergence of vision, faith, and purpose rather than a mere ceremony. He said the event marks another step toward building a world-class institution that aims to redefine higher education standards in Nigeria and across Africa.
He explained that developmental work had already commenced on the site with road construction, fencing, and excavation. Just days earlier, the foundation of the Ukala School of Engineering and Technology (USET) was laid by Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), marking a major milestone in the university’s physical development.
According to him, FortLugard University is designed to be a transformational institution that transcends traditional teaching and learning. It will be an intellectual hub focused on producing graduates with character, competence, and creativity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr. Onoja outlined the institution’s vision to build a global-standard university renowned for academic excellence, moral integrity, technological innovation, and global competitiveness. The mission, he stated, is to deliver quality academic programmes, nurture disciplined and innovative leaders, promote research, and foster an enabling environment supported by modern infrastructure and global partnerships.
He emphasized that the university is not merely constructing structures but shaping destinies, building an environment that will produce future thinkers, innovators, policy leaders, and nation builders. The Senate Building, he said, will become the core of academic governance, housing structures responsible for ensuring academic integrity and institutional direction. Upon completion, it will be named after Justice Walter Onnoghen.
Speaking on the Faculty of Computer Sciences, he noted that the future of global development lies in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital transformation. He stated that the faculty will serve as a centre of excellence where students will be trained to innovate and compete globally.
Dr. Onoja acknowledged that the project is a monumental undertaking and called for continued support from government, private sector partners, philanthropists, development agencies, and individuals. He invited all stakeholders to join in building an institution that will stand as a lasting legacy and expand opportunities for generations to come.
He concluded by affirming that the foundation stones laid represent seeds of future possibilities, declaring that FortLugard University is steadily rising to become a world-class institution by God’s grace.
