STOBA Launches N1bn Infrastructure Revamp Project for Alma Mater
…Alumni unveil five-point agenda to restore academic excellence
By Alumona Ukwueze
The St Teresa’s College Nsukka Old Boys’ Association (STOBA) Worldwide has unveiled a N1 billion infrastructure upgrade initiative aimed at revitalising its alma mater and restoring its tradition of academic excellence.
The President of STOBA Worldwide, HRH Igwe Professor Johnny Eluka, announced the ambitious project during the association’s 2026 National Convention, held at St Teresa’s College, Nsukka, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, from October 23 to 25.
Eluka described the fundraising initiative as a collective responsibility of all alumni, sets and branches of the association, emphasising that the task of rebuilding the institution required a united and sustained commitment.
He said the proposed intervention would address critical infrastructural deficiencies, including classrooms, laboratories, hostels, water supply, electricity and other essential learning facilities, to create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“One billion naira is a bold target, yet it remains achievable when we recognise that support for our alma mater is a collective obligation. No single person, no single set, and no single branch can bear this burden alone,” he said.
The STOBA president urged members to move beyond periodic reunions and translate their attachment to the institution into practical interventions capable of improving the welfare of students and teachers.
According to him, the initiative reflects the theme of the convention, “Restoring Excellence; Rebuilding the Base of Our Alma Mater,” and underscores the association’s determination to ensure that present and future generations of students enjoy the quality of education and facilities that shaped previous generations of alumni.
Reviewing his administration’s achievements since its election in October 2022, Eluka disclosed that STOBA had established the STOBA GLOBAL platform to strengthen alumni mobilisation, revitalise branches and improve the learning experience of more than 1,600 students of the college.
He added that an assessment conducted by the National Executive Committee had revealed widespread deterioration of infrastructure, necessitating engagements with relevant stakeholders and the exploration of sustainable measures to support the institution.
Eluka also commended the convention’s Local Organising Committee, led by Ozo Chijioke Attah, for its dedication and commitment to the successful hosting of the event.
Delivering the convention lecture on the theme, an alumnus of the college, Okey Akobundu, said the responsibility for restoring the institution’s lost glory rested largely on the shoulders of its alumni.
He stressed the need for former students to demonstrate a renewed sense of ownership by providing the resources and support required to reposition the school for academic excellence.
To achieve this objective, Akobundu proposed a five-point agenda comprising the return of alumni to the school, the re-equipping of facilities, the motivation of teachers, the reorientation of students and the reconnection of old boys with their alma mater through periodic interventions.
He urged members to contribute meaningfully to the N1 billion project, irrespective of the size of their donations, noting that sustained collective action remained critical to the success of the initiative.
The lecturer maintained that restoring the school’s academic standing would require more than infrastructural renewal, stressing the importance of teacher motivation, student discipline and continuous engagement between the institution and its alumni.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the college’s facilities conducted by its Principal, Rev. Fr Paul Alli, the Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Chinedu Onu, charged the students to remain committed to their studies and aspire to become influential members of society.
Onu urged the students to embrace discipline, respect their teachers and parents, and comply with the school’s rules and regulations.
He assured them that the alumni association would continue to intervene in the affairs of the institution to support efforts aimed at restoring its former glory.
The three-day convention also featured the celebration of the golden jubilee of the 1976 graduating class and the silver jubilee of the 2001 class, marking 50 and 25 years respectively.
Other activities included a fundraising session, a novelty football match and a banquet, alongside the association’s election of new national executives.
The election returned HRM Professor Johnny Chibueze Eluka as National President.
Other elected officers are Barr Tony Ugwu, First National Vice President; Engr. Tony Offor, Second National Vice President; Dr Okocha Augustine, Third National Vice President (Diaspora); and Dr Ossai Nelson Ike, National Secretary.
The remaining members of the executive are Anigbo Anointed Chukwudi, National Assistant Secretary; Nwosu Peter Chuks, National Treasurer; Aneke Ugochukwu, National Financial Secretary; Onyechi Ugochukwu, National Social Secretary; and Ezeugwu Evaristus Okeke, National Assistant Social Secretary.
Others are Ezema Ikechukwu Humphrey, National Publicity Secretary, and Onyishi Nnandi Charles, National Assistant Publicity Secretary.
The N1 billion infrastructure initiative is expected to provide a framework for coordinated alumni contributions and targeted interventions to address the college’s pressing needs and strengthen its capacity to deliver quality education.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
