A bold new chapter in Nigeria’s higher education landscape began on Friday as FortLugard University officially broke ground in the Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory.
The ceremony marked the start of construction on the Senate Building and the Faculty of Computer Sciences, signalling the arrival of a transformative institution aimed at producing the country’s next generation of innovators and leaders.
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, laid the foundation stone for the Senate Building, describing it as the “heart of academic governance” and praising the university’s founder and Chancellor, Elder Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), for his vision and courage.
“A nation that invests in the education of its youth secures its future. FortLugard University embodies that commitment,” he said.
The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, laid the foundation for the Faculty of Computer Sciences, highlighting the university’s potential to expand access to quality education in the FCT and generate employment opportunities.
He also urged the host community to safeguard the institution, citing its long-term benefits.
For Chancellor Onoja, the groundbreaking represents more than a ceremonial milestone; it is the tangible beginning of a vision to establish a world-class university. “This institution is conceived to be a powerhouse of knowledge, creativity, and ethical leadership. We are building futures, not just structures,” he said.
Preparatory work on the campus, including road construction, fencing, and excavation, has already begun. The Ukala School of Engineering and Technology’s foundation stone was laid just days earlier, demonstrating the university’s commitment to rapid, deliberate development.
Onoja emphasized that the university will prioritise globally benchmarked academic programmes, research and innovation aligned with industry needs, ethical and leadership development, and technologically advanced, future-ready learning environments, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
He added that the Senate Building will be named in honour of Justice Onnoghen, while the Faculty of Computer Sciences will focus on cutting-edge disciplines such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering. “These fields will drive Nigeria’s competitiveness and position our students as global leaders,” Onoja said.
Calling on government agencies, development partners, the private sector, and philanthropists for support, the Chancellor described FortLugard University as a transformational project: “We are laying the foundations today for an institution that will shape the future of our nation and Africa.”
With the foundations now in place, FortLugard University is set to emerge as a landmark institution, blending education, innovation, and nation-building at the heart of the Nigerian capital.
FortLugard University Breaks Ground, Ushers New Era in Education
