Federal co-operative college Oji – river celebrates golden jubilee

… Marks 50 years academic excellence

By Ajuwa Victor

The Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of academic excellence, professional training, human capital development and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s cooperative and agricultural sectors.

The colourful Golden Jubilee celebration, held at the institution’s premises, attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including government officials, lawmakers, educationists, cooperative stakeholders, members of the Governing Council, management, staff, students, alumni and other well-wishers.

The Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, was the Special Guest of Honour at the historic event. His presence underscored the Federal Government’s recognition of the vital role of cooperative education in agricultural development, entrepreneurship, job creation and national economic growth.

Established in 1976, the college has, over the past five decades, remained committed to producing skilled professionals and strengthening the cooperative movement through quality education, research, vocational training and capacity development.

Speaking on the institution’s journey, the Provost, Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, described the Golden Jubilee as a remarkable milestone and a testament to the resilience, dedication and sacrifices of successive administrations, staff and stakeholders who have contributed to the growth and development of the college.

He highlighted the institution’s achievements in academic development, infrastructure and professional training, while identifying inadequate funding, insecurity, rising energy costs and land encroachment as some of the challenges confronting the college.

The Provost called for increased government support and strategic partnerships to enable the institution to modernise its facilities, expand its academic programmes and strengthen its contributions to national development.

A major highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the college’s maiden convocation ceremony, scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, representing another significant chapter in its institutional history. The convocation lecture is to be delivered by Professor Chinedum Nwajuba, former Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University.

The present administration under Dr. Obidiegwu, alongside the Governing Council, management and staff, was commended for its commitment to sustaining academic standards, improving institutional administration and positioning the college for greater accomplishments.

In a special recognition of service and institutional legacy, the college also honoured past and present members of its management and staff who had contributed immensely to its growth and development over the years. The gesture highlighted the importance of acknowledging the dedication, sacrifices and commitment of individuals whose collective efforts have sustained the institution through different generations.

As the college begins another chapter in its history, stakeholders have stressed the need for improved infrastructure, modern learning facilities, research development, enhanced staff welfare and stronger institutional partnerships to strengthen its national and international standing.

The Golden Jubilee was more than a celebration of 50 years of existence; it was a celebration of vision, service, sacrifice, resilience and enduring contributions to education, cooperative development and Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s remarkable journey, celebrate its achievements and renew its commitment to producing competent professionals capable of driving the cooperative movement and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Congratulations to the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, CON; the Provost, Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu; members of the Governing Council; management; staff; students; alumni; and the entire Federal Cooperative College community on this historic Golden Jubilee.