The founding proprietor of the proposed Fortlugard University, Abuja, Chief Dr. James Ogwu Onoja, SAN, has declared that the institution is envisioned to become a “transformational university and a powerhouse of intellectualism” when fully established.
Dr. Onoja made the declaration on Friday during his welcome address at the foundation stone-laying and groundbreaking ceremony for the university’s Senate Building and Faculty of Computer Science, held at the project site in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who combines active legal practice with lecturing roles in several Nigerian universities, said Fortlugard University was conceived as an international centre of knowledge that would attract students from diverse cultures and across borders.
He emphasized that the Senate Building, whose foundation was laid during the ceremony, would serve as the heart of academic governance and policy formulation. He further revealed that the iconic structure would be named after former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, whom he described as “a symbol of judicial fairness, courage, and intellectual distinction.”
According to Dr. Onoja, the proposed Faculty of Computer Science will house departments that reflect the future of global innovation and technology. These include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Web Science, and Computer Engineering.
He noted that the university’s academic philosophy is built on global best practices, adding that the institution will pursue partnerships with international organizations, research institutes, private sector innovators, and individuals who understand the meaning of world-class education.
Dr. Onoja stressed that building a university capable of outliving its founder and raising a new generation of smart, innovative citizens is a collective responsibility. He called on Nigerians, development partners, academics, and well-meaning individuals to join hands in nurturing the vision into reality.
Earlier at the event, Evangelist Sunday Ogwuche of God’s Care Mission, Okpo, Kogi State—who ministered during the Bar and Bench end-of-year service that preceded the groundbreaking—urged the founder to keep God at the centre of the project.
Citing biblical examples of leaders who failed after taking God out of their plans, Evangelist Ogwuche encouraged Dr. Onoja and the congregation to cultivate gratitude, humility, and dependence on divine guidance. “Whatever we build with God lasts. Whatever we build without Him collapses,” he warned.
Guests who delivered goodwill messages at the ceremony, including former Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Engr. Sumaila Akaaba, Justice Ejembi Eko (Rtd.), and Justice Walter Onnoghen, commended Dr. Onoja’s uncommon determination and passion. They described him as a “goal-getter who never quits” and a man driven by national development.
Many speakers applauded the founder for channeling personal resources toward building an educational legacy rather than pursuing comfort or luxury. They noted that such sacrifice is rare at a time when many prefer short-term gains over long-term investments in nation-building.
A tour of the construction site revealed massive physical development already underway. The university’s permanent site currently hosts ongoing foundation and structural works for the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science, Senate Building, and several ancillary facilities.
According to project engineers, the fast-paced development is intentionally designed to prepare the campus for the National Universities Commission (NUC) resource verification exercise, which will be a crucial step toward securing the institution’s operational license.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that Fortlugard University would soon emerge as one of Nigeria’s most forward-looking institutions—driving research, innovation, and transformative learning for decades to come.
The groundbreaking ceremony ended with prayers, blessings, and renewed commitments from partners and supporters who believe the university will redefine the future of tertiary education in Nigeria.
