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 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, underscoring 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 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. He highlighted achievements in academic development, infrastructure and professional training, while identifying inadequate funding, insecurity, rising energy costs and land encroachment as challenges confronting the college, and called for increased government support and strategic partnerships to modernise facilities and expand academic programmes.
A major highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the college’s maiden convocation ceremony, scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, with the convocation lecture to be delivered by Professor Chinedum Nwajuba, former Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University. The college also honoured past and present members of its management and staff who contributed immensely to its growth, while stakeholders stressed the need for improved infrastructure, modern learning facilities, research development, enhanced staff welfare and stronger partnerships to strengthen its national and international standing.
