Our History
Federal Government College Enugu is a Unity College with a vast and impressive academic record to go by.
Since inception, it has maintained a high standard in academic pursuits as well as a high taste in excellence
and moral discipline.
The origin of Federal Government Colleges in Nigeria could be traced to 1965 (during the first republic).
This was during the era of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Belewa as Prime Minister and Chief Aja Nwachukwu as the
Honourable Minister of Education. The Federal Government of Nigeria established three of such colleges at
Sokoto in Northern Nigeria; Warri in mid western Nigeria and at Okposi in Eastern Nigeria.
The Kings and Queens colleges at Lagos established much earlier by the colonial government is assumed to be
serving the interest of the Western Region.The Federal school at Okposi was closed down during the civil
war (1967-1970).
At the end of the civil war in January, 1970, the school could not be re-opened because the bridge linking the only motorable
road to the college was blown up, during the civil war. However, in 1972, the Supreme Military Council, headed by
General Jack, Yakubu Gowon, decided to establish more Unity schools. Each of the schools was meant to be located
in each of the twelve states capitals. Thus, one was located at Enugu, being the capital of the then East Central State.
The school started on the 19th of January, 1973 at a temporary location (Then Baptist Girls Secondary School) in New Haven.
Which is the present site of Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital.
The school started in 1973 with an initial student enrolment of ninety in form one; and sixty lower sixth form students.
The students of both stages pursued their career in both either the arts or sciences and some in both. All the students were borders.
STAFF:
The staff comprised of academic and non academic (Administrative and General Duties staff).
The college at inception had a total of fifteen teachers. Mr M.O. Imana (1973-1975) was the pioneer principal while Mr D.M. Ukpe was the vice principal.
The pioneer Heads of Departments were:
Mr W, C Okeke - Geography
Mr M.I. Akajiofor - Physics
Mrs G.N Achike - Biology
Miss O.M. Osunsan - Mathematics
Mr S.E. Ahonsi - History
Mr J.C. Neboh - English
Mr P.O. Emina - Economics
Mr A.E. Nwabueze - Physical and Health Education
Mr A. Fallet - French
Mr John Uhiara - Fine Arts
Certain categories of staff like the Bursar, secretary to the principal, chief clerk, chief driver and a typist were posted to the college
from Lagos (Headquarters). These pioneer academic and non- academic staff worked relentlessly to see that, the initial students intake
settled down comfortable to pursue their academic career. Other support staff like cleaners, labourers, washer men, and security staff were
recruited from the immediate locality of the college.
FACILITIES-
At the temporary site of the college, facilities were inadequate here they had only completed two classroom blocks. To inject confidence
into the students, two members of staff (Mr J.C. Neboh and Mr A.E. Nwabueze) volunteered to share the uncompleted hostel premises with the
students. One of the classrooms was converted to sick bay and the then East Central State Ministry of Health provided the school with nurses
to render their services free. The classrooms were used as improvised laboratories.
TRANSPORT-
The school started with a blue truck provided by the ministry. This was used for a long time before a yellow bus and a utility car was
provided for the school. The provision of these vehicles’ enhanced the movement of goods and services within the college.
MOVEMENT TO PERMANENT SITE:-
The movement of the school to its permanent site in Independence Layout, commenced gradually in 1975, this movement was initiated by the
second principal, Mr T.A. Fasuyi (1975-1976). At the time of the movement many of the buildings in the permanent site were still under
construction and basic facilities and equipment were still grossly inadequate.
The first block of buildings that was occupied was:
-18 classroom block
-A block of twelve laboratories
-A hostel shared by boys and girls
-A block of five workshops and
-An administrative block.
Mr T.A Fasuyi witnessed the completion of some of the buildings namely the dining hall, library block, staff lounge, the two lecture theatres
and some of the staff quarters. His dogged effort to give the new site a face lift, improved the general outlook of the school. He also expanded
the curriculum and curriculum activities of the college. Mr J.O Abolade (1976-1980) succeeded Mr T.A Fasuyi. He also became the third principal
of the school. It was during his tenure that the school graduated the first batch of West African school certificate examination students in
1977. He further consolidated the achievement of his predecessor.
Mr I.C.J Adigwe succeeded Mr J.O. Abolade as the fourth principal of the school. He served as the principal from 1980-1989. He was the principal
that ushered in the new national policy on Education (6-3-3-4 system). His tenure witnessed the introduction of subjects like integrated science,
social studies, technical drawing, introductory technology, the three main Nigerian languages and commerce either at the J.S.S or S.S.S levels.
It was also during his tenure that, the higher school certificate programme was phased out in 1987.
It was during his tenure that the current students centre was erected.
Mr S.N Abia succeeds Mr I.C.J. Adigwe in 1989. During his tenure he worked relentlessly to restore discipline and academic excellence in the
school. He also expanded the school curriculum by introducing more subjects in both junior and senior secondary school classes. Some of the
subjects he introduced include clothing and textile, metal and wood work, and principles of accounting, computer science at the junior secondary classes.
Mr Silas A. Nnamonu succeeded Mr S.N Abia in 1995. Mr Nnamonu also proved that, he was an astute administrator by the innovations he made both in the
school curriculum and in the extra-curriculum activities. He motivated teachers by sending them on an in-service training, workshops and
professor Deribe, constructed the agricultural science laboratory. He also introduced government as a school certificate subject in senior
secondary school classes.
Dr. S.N. Akpam succeeded Mr Silas Nnamonu as the principal of the school in the year 2000. Though Dr. Akpam’s stay in the school was brief but
he never the less gave the school a face lift. He embarked on several renovation projects and installed more air conditioners in offices and
departments. He also enforced discipline and high academic standards.
Dr. Okugo succeeded Dr S.N. Akpam. It was during his tenure that the P.T.A, under professor Deribe, completed the perimeter wall fencing.
He was succeeded by Dame Ogu in 2003. Dr Ogu (Mrs.) also emphasized discipline and high academic standards. She was the first female principal
of the school. She was succeeded by Mrs V.I Okpomo who has served as vice principal in the school, from the time of Dr. S.N Akpam she has been the facilitator
of academic excellence and high standard of discipline. Even before she came on board as the principal of the school. It was during her tenure
that, the Federal Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Dr (Mrs) Oby Ezekwesilu scrapped the junior secondary classes, in all unity
colleges. Presently, unity colleges are only running post basic programs.
Therefore, since inception the college has passed through the following principals, namely:
|
i. |
Mr. Imana M.O |
1973-1975 |
|
ii. |
Mr. Fayusi T.A |
1975-1976 |
|
iii. |
Mr. Abolade J.O |
1976-1980 |
|
iv. |
Mr. Adigwe I.C.J |
1980-1989 |
|
v. |
Mr. Abia S.N |
1989-1995 |
|
vi. |
Sir Nnamonu S.C |
1995-2001 |
|
vii. |
Dr. Akpam S.N |
2001-2002 |
|
viii. |
Dr. Okugo A.O |
2002-2003 |
|
ix. |
Dr.(Mrs) Oguh D.C |
2003-2005 |
|
x. |
Mrs. Okpomo V.I |
2005-2008 |
|
xi. |
Mr. Essan M.O |
2008-2012 |
|
xii. |
Mrs. Onwughalu I.U |
2012-2014 |
|
xiii. |
Elder Mrs Uko K. Igweola |
2014-2016 |
|
xiv. |
Mrs. Alfred, Helen Olufunmilayo |
2017-2018 |
|
xv. |
Dr. Ejeh A Usman |
2018-Present |
ACADEMICS:
As a result of good management techniques, dedication of the academic and non-academic staff, high level of discipline among students and
teachers. Our students post good results every year in both N.E.C.O and W.A.E.C organised Senior school certificate examinations and in J.S.C
examinations before it was scrapped in unity schools. High performance in internal and external examinations and high level of discipline,
emphasized by management have resulted in well meaning individuals in the society, staff, parent teachers association(P.T.A) and Old Boys Association,
endowing a lot of prizes and cash, to motivate teachers and students to work harder.
PARENTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION:
The school has an active parents teachers association. The association has assisted the school in several areas of need example, construction
of students centre, provision of games facilities, building of agricultural science laboratory, donation of textbooks, employment of part time
teachers, provision of water tankers, and payment of Christmas bonuses to teachers e.t.c.
OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION:
The school also have an active old students body. Members of this body have assisted the school in several ways both individually and collectively
example provision of utility bus, maintenance of classroom blocks, hostels and dining hall, sponsoring of teachers on workshops, provision of
seats, textbooks, organisation of career talks for SS3 students e.t.c.
STUDENTS POPULATION:-
At inception of the school in January,1973, the students population was one hundred and fifty (150). As years progressed the population continued
to increase. This is as a result of creation of more classes, development of students both in character and in learning and the school/ community
relationship.The population of the students reached its peak in 2007. At this period the population of the students were over four thousand
(4000) and the students comprised of both JSS and SSS students.With the new policy on education, which allowed the unity schools to run only
post basic courses (S.S.S) the population of students reduced to barely two thousand students (2000). But this has since been reversed as the school
now runs both the Junior and Senior secondary arms.
CURRENT STAFF STRENGTH:
The staff comprises of both academic and non-academic, with most of them highly dedicated. The school experienced gradual increase in staff
strength as a result of the need for more staff, to cope with the increasing number of student population.The population of the teaching staff
increased from fifteen (15) at the inception of the school in 1973, to over one hundred and seventy (170) presently.The strength of non-academic
staff is about one hundred and sixty (160). Both the academic and non- academic staffs are working harmoniously, to achieve the objectives of
the school.The staff combinations are multi-ethnic. This will help to realise the federal character desired in the federal work force.
Nigerian National Anthem
Arise O! Compatriot
Nigeria call obey
To serve our father land
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom
Peace and Unity
College Anthem
F.G.C.E We hail thee
Love and Trust in thee we have
From all corners we come to thee
Greater tomorrow will it be
Many Potentials we have
We grow to serve the nation
Boys and girls in unity serve
For freedom through education
Guide, O Lord, our noble cause
Our teachers, the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
Pro-Unitate F.G.C.E
School Pledge
I promise to be an obedient, honest and hardworking student of Federal Government College Enugu.
To do only those things that enhances our good name and image.
To refuse association with any cult, bad influence group and refrain from all wilful destruction of college property.
To love all students refrain from all fagging activities.
To aim ultimately at academic excellence and good conduct till the end of my course.
So help me God.
Our Vision
To harness the latent potential of Nigerian children, achieve academic excellence towards realising national educational goals.
Our Mission
To make our students real leaders of tomorrow in all spheres of life throgh effective teaching and learning.
Our Motto
Pro Unitate
Compiled by:
Onwujekwe C.Y
Okereke-Anagbogu, Ngozi.
