On a sunlit Friday in Abuja, hope took physical form as spades pierced the earth at Apo, marking the groundbreaking of FortLugard University. It was more than a ceremonial turning of soil; it was the planting of a national vision. Representing His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Honorable Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs stood before educators, community leaders, youths, and investors to deliver a message that resonated far beyond the venue.
His words did not merely bless a project; they breathed life into a collective dream—of knowledge, unity, and the unshakeable belief that Nigeria’s greatest wealth lies in her people.
From the moment the Minister stepped onto the dais, the atmosphere shifted. The President’s representative carried not just protocol but purpose. He spoke with the clarity of a statesman and the warmth of a teacher, reminding us that education is not an expense—it is an investment with infinite returns. In a nation as dynamic and youthful as Nigeria, he said, universities are not just institutions; they are engines of national transformation. FortLugard University, in this light, becomes a promise: a place where talent is refined, character is built, and innovation is nurtured.
The Minister began by acknowledging the visionary leadership behind FortLugard University—its founder and promoters whose courage to build in uncertain times exemplifies patriotism in action. He praised their audacity to imagine a future where Nigerian students can compete globally while remaining rooted in our values.
“When private citizens invest in education,” he noted, “they invest in stability, productivity, and peace.” This affirmation carried the full weight of presidential support, signaling to investors and educators alike that the Federal Government stands shoulder to shoulder with those who expand access to quality learning.
What truly elevated the ceremony was the Minister’s framing of education as the great equalizer. In a society challenged by inequality, he reminded us, universities are ladders. They lift children from rural and urban communities into the realm of ideas, skills, and opportunity. He spoke of young Nigerians whose brilliance is boundless but whose access is limited—and how institutions like FortLugard can close that gap. His words echoed with urgency: the future of Nigeria will be written by the educated, the ethical, and the empowered.
Beyond access, the Minister emphasized relevance. He urged FortLugard University to become a hub for problem-solving—where curricula respond to Nigeria’s real needs: agriculture and food security, technology and digital innovation, energy and sustainability, governance and ethics, health and entrepreneurship. He called for partnerships with industry, government, and global institutions to ensure that graduates are not only employable but indispensable. In doing so, he aligned the university’s mission with the President’s broader agenda of economic diversification and youth empowerment.
Inter-governmental collaboration featured prominently in his address. As the custodian of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, the Minister highlighted how federal, state, and local authorities must work in concert to create enabling environments for education to thrive. Infrastructure, security, policy consistency, and community engagement—these are the pillars upon which universities stand. His message was clear: FortLugard will not walk alone. The Nigerian state, at all levels, is committed to ensuring that learning spaces are safe, modern, and inclusive.
Perhaps the most inspiring moment came when the Minister spoke directly to the students of tomorrow—those who will walk through FortLugard’s gates years from now. He asked them to dream boldly but serve humbly. “Let your degrees be tools for service,” he said. “Let your knowledge be a light that guides your communities.” In a world often driven by quick gains, he called for character over convenience, integrity over indulgence, and service over self. It was a lesson that resonated with parents, teachers, and youths alike.
The symbolism of the groundbreaking was not lost on anyone present. As the Minister lifted the shovel, he was not merely starting construction; he was affirming continuity—between past and future, between policy and practice, between leadership and legacy. FortLugard University is being built at a time when Nigeria seeks renewal. The President’s representative made it plain: education is the cornerstone of that renewal. No nation rises above the quality of its schools; no democracy survives without enlightened citizens.
He also commended the host community for their openness and support. Universities flourish where communities feel ownership. By welcoming FortLugard, Apo and the wider FCT are investing in social capital—jobs, innovation, cultural exchange, and a vibrant intellectual life. The Minister encouraged ongoing dialogue between the university and its neighbors to ensure mutual growth and respect. Development, he said, must be people-centered.
As the applause faded and the dust settled, what remained was conviction. The Minister’s presence transformed a ceremony into a commitment. It reassured stakeholders that the Federal Government recognizes and supports initiatives that align with national priorities. It energized the founders to build with excellence. It challenged educators to teach with relevance. It inspired youths to pursue learning with purpose.
In a time when cynicism can cloud hope, the President’s voice—channeled through the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs—cut through the noise. It reminded us that Nigeria’s story is still being written and that universities are among its most powerful authors. FortLugard University, born of vision and now blessed with national backing, stands poised to become a beacon.
Friday’s groundbreaking was not the end; it was the beginning. The spade struck the soil, but it also struck a chord in the hearts of all who believe in Nigeria. With leadership that listens, policies that empower, and institutions that inspire, our nation can educate its way into prosperity. FortLugard University is proof that when government and citizens align around a noble cause, the future looks bright.
As Special Assistant on Media and publicity, I witnessed not just a ceremony but a message—clear, confident, and compassionate. The President, through his representative, spoke to our highest ideals. And in response, Nigeria stood taller. The foundation has been laid. Now, together, let us build.
– Musa Wada is the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Hon Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs.
