Cherishing Our Legacy, Celebrating Our Impact , Creating a Future.
It is both humbling and astonishing to realise that it has been a quarter of a century since
the class of 1994 bid farewell to GCU. In the span of these 25 years, the members of the
GCUOBA class of 1994 have accomplished remarkable feats. Our peers have upheld the
illustrious Umuahian legacy of eccentric exceptionalism, continually setting benchmarks
in diverse fields and excelling on the global arena. The class of 1994 has produced an
extraordinary array of professionals—ranging from nuclear scientists, entrepreneurs,
military personnel serving for different countries, to esteemed physicians, surgeons, and
celebrated comedians.
Onyeadi I – Class Captain
As we look back on our shared journey, we recall that ours was the pioneering class to
undertake the National Examinations Council exams. We also hold the infamous
distinction of being only the second class in GCU’s history to experience a mass expulsion
from the boarding house- both a testament to our spirited, revolutionary spirit and our
unapologetic headiness. But beyond these milestones and histories, our class has
fostered a culture of generosity and solidarity: from launching business ventures together,
assisting with school fees and medical bills, supporting classmates through challenging
times, to helping with funeral costs, to visiting retired teachers bearing gifts of food and
financial aid, and even awarding a full scholarship to the child of a retired teacher. In doing
these and in continually interrogating the way our systems work, we have created the most
successful welfare initiative ever witnessed in the annals of GCUOBA, all thanks to the
unwavering compassion of this exceptional brotherhood of Umuahians.
During our upcoming gala and awards ceremony, we will pay tribute to distinguished
Umuahians, beginning with Dr Ed. Chukukere, recipient of our highest honour in
recognition of services to GCU, for, among other things, composing the school anthem.
This distinguished award comes with a cheque and, undoubtedly, the goodwill of every
Umuahian. We will also honour a host of others for their invaluable contributions: Dr. Israel
Ahaiwe, Dr Eugene Ibe, Mr Chukwudi Onwudinanti, Engr. I.N Ugwuegede, Engr. Ifeanyi C
Orji, Mr Nnamdi Nwokedi, Mr Godsgrace Agu, Mr Ugochukwu Uzochukwu, Mr
Chukwuemeka Okereke, Dr. Stephen Nwazue, Mr Uchenna Ugochukwu, Mr Chinazam
Ochiabuto, Mr Ikechi Eke, Mr Ikechukwu Umezurike, Dr. Obinna Mbuko, Mr Ugochukwu
Nnodu, Dr Vincent Igbojionu, Mr Chinedu Obasi, Mr Ogechukwu Nwankwo, Mr Chukwuma
Anya, Mr Chibueze Uchendu, Mr Chinedu Achomadu, and Pastor Izuchukwu Ogbonna for
their steadfast service to the class of 1994 in particular and to GCU in general.
It is only fitting that we pause to reflect on the remarkable journey towards GCU’s rebirth,
and the tireless efforts of so many Umuahians to reclaim stewardship of our beloved
school from the Abia State Government and rescuing it from the brink of ruin. We owe a
debt of gratitude to all who have contributed so selflessly, and it is imperative to
immortalise those whose dedication has been instrumental in reviving GCU. The story of
this renaissance would be incomplete without an expression of profound appreciation to
the late Lucius Nwosu (SAN) and his estate, whose transformative financial and strategic
investments paved the way for our success. Our heartfelt wishes extend to the GCUOBA
Lagos branch, who exemplified that nothing is beyond our reach; to the GCUOBA USA
branch, which swiftly assumed leadership of this noble endeavor with grace and
generosity; and to the GCUOBA Abuja branch, whose zealous members have worked
relentlessly for the school’s restoration—each deserving of our lasting gratitude.
The annals of our alma mater will long preserve the rallying spirit, advocacy, and personal
sacrifices of Professor Ikem Nkanginieme, Mr Onyema Nkele, Mr Ed. Ukaonu, Dr. Anele
Ebizie, Professor Youpele Beredugo, Mr Reginald Momah, Engr. Okey Eneli, Engr. Ike
Ugwuegede, Sir Onyii Wamah, Mr Raymond Nkemakolam Nnanta, Mr Ugochukwu Zik, Obu
Udeozo, Mr Victor Igwe, Mr Chike Nwoke, Sir Bob Akponye, Prince Adindu Onukwue, Mr
Chukwuma Mmeje, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Chief Fidelis Umeh, Dr Emmanuel Okafor,
Professor Ukejeh, Mr George Anagha-Ezikpe and countless others whose devotion have
shaped our collective history.
Following direct consultations with the Principal of GCU, the GCUOBA class of 1994 is
proud to announce our commitment to collaborate with the Fisher Educational
Development Trust and the School Management Board and fund the installation of a solar-
powered system at GCU to aid water pumping. This initiative not only ensures our
continued engagement in the global GCUOBA discourse as a class but also significantly
reduces the school’s reliance on diesel while advancing GCU’s climate protection agenda.
On a more personal note, I express my deepest gratitude to my classmates for re-electing
me as class captain for another term. Together, we have accomplished so much, and
together, even greater achievements await us. I urge every member to remain steadfast in
the face of challenges, to reject slander and divisiveness but embrace dialogue, to pray
continually, to choose the path of peace where it serves our best interests, and to strive,
always, to leave a better world for the generations to come.
Yours truly,
Onyeadi, I
Class Captain
