The Lagos Branch of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) has set an ambitious target of raising N2 billion for the construction of a permanent secretariat in Lagos, as stakeholders intensify calls for innovative funding models to revive Nigeria’s education sector.

The fundraising target was unveiled at the association’s 2025 Annual Luncheon, held on Sunday in Lagos, with the theme “Innovative Funding Strategies for Educational Institutions.”

Speaking at the event, President of the GCUOBA Lagos Branch, Chief Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan (SAN), described the luncheon as more than a social gathering, noting that it represented a renewed commitment to preserving the legacy of Government College Ughelli while addressing the challenges facing secondary education in Nigeria.

According to him, the proposed permanent secretariat would serve as the administrative hub of the Lagos Branch and host educational seminars, leadership programmes, lectures, conferences and community-focused initiatives.

“This year’s luncheon sets an ambitious but noble goal: the raising of N2 billion for the construction of a permanent secretariat in Lagos. The facility will become a lasting legacy for present and future generations of Mariners,” Uwensuyi-Edosomwan said.

He added that the association, with the support of partners and donors, has made steady progress over the years in restoring, rehabilitating and modernising infrastructure at Government College Ughelli, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.

Appealing to members and guests for generous support, he urged them to contribute meaningfully toward achieving the fundraising objective. He also commended the Lagos Branch executive committee, the luncheon organising team led by Vice-President Engr. Okosubide Mozimo, as well as donors whose contributions have translated ideas into tangible achievements.

Chairman of the event and former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, underscored the central role of education in nation-building, productivity and good governance. Drawing from personal experiences, he said education goes beyond academics to include values, exposure and skills development.

Duke lamented Nigeria’s low productivity levels, noting that while the country’s population has grown significantly over the decades, public investment and national budgets have not expanded proportionately. He introduced the SHIT framework—Skills, Health, Infrastructure and Technology—as key pillars that government and society must prioritise to unlock national productivity.

He further called on alumni of quality schools and members of the elite to give back to society, describing life as a cycle of learning, earning and giving. According to him, sustained alumni involvement is critical to restoring standards in public education.

Keynote speaker and Chief Executive Officer of GenAI Learning Concept Ltd, Mr. Sunny Iroche, focused on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and the urgent need for Nigeria and Africa to invest in innovation-driven education.

Iroche warned that Africa currently accounts for less than one per cent of global AI development and risks falling further behind if decisive action is not taken. He highlighted AI-driven breakthroughs in healthcare, education and security, describing data as the “new crude oil” of the 21st century.

He urged alumni associations to adopt strategic planning, strong governance structures and sustainable funding models to reposition schools for the future. He also advocated the establishment of leadership, debate and technology centres within schools to equip students with critical thinking and digital skills needed in an AI-driven world.

The event, attended by prominent alumni, traditional rulers, industry leaders and education advocates, reinforced growing calls for alumni-led intervention in Nigeria’s struggling education sector.

With the proposed Lagos secretariat envisioned as a hub for leadership development, innovation and educational advocacy, the GCUOBA Lagos Branch expressed optimism that the N2 billion fundraising target would be achieved through collective commitment.