Dons Eze
CIC ENUGU: ALUMNI FOUNDATION ON RESCUE MISSION
In the quiet corners of history, some stories shimmer with the light of rebirth, tales of institutions that, though fallen, rise once more through the power of love, memory, and the indomitable human spirit. Such is the story of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, a celebrated institution that has stood as a lighthouse of learning since its inception in 1942. Yet, once radiant with the glow of excellence, fate’s hands dimmed this signpost, caught in the crosswinds of underfunding and neglect. Its grandeur practically left to wane.
But where there is darkness, there too is the possibility of dawn, heralded by the unyielding devotion of those who remember and return to rebuild. This is a love story about not just giving but also belonging. This is the story of the CIC Enugu Alumni Foundation, a collective of hearts bound by gratitude, community, and a profound sense of stewardship, now leading a renaissance that is as extraordinary as it is unprecedented.
To fully appreciate the magnitude of the CIC Enugu Alumni Foundation’s work, one must first understand the forces that conspired to bring the school to its knees. CIC was not just a school; it was an altar of knowledge where the virtues of discipline, faith, and intellectual rigour were instilled in generations of young men. It was a place where the future was shaped, where dreams were nurtured under the careful guidance of the Catholic Church, the school’s original proprietor. The Church’s influence was profound, shaping the very essence of its students.
But history, with its cruel indifference, has a way of altering the course of even the most revered institutions. The Nigerian Civil War, a devastating event that tore through the fabric of the nation, left scars not just on the land but on CIC’s soul. The war’s impact was overwhelming, shaking the very foundations of the institution. In the aftermath, the Military Administration, in a sweeping act of power, took control of schools across the land, wresting them from the hands of their original proprietors. CIC was not spared.
Under the various defunct governments’ watch, once a bastion of educational excellence, the school began to wither. Once stately and strong, the buildings became relics of a forgotten time, their walls cracking under the weight of neglect. The classrooms that had once echoed with the sounds of eager minds at work fell silent; their desks and chairs felt abandoned. The fields, where boys had once played with the vigour of youth, became overgrown, and the dreams of champions left to fade. Once a pillar, the institution became a shadow of its former self, almost a monument to what once was and what had been lost.
Yet, from the ashes of this decline, a new story began to emerge, not of decay but of renewal, a rise from ashes to phoenix. The CIC Enugu Alumni Foundation, composed of men who had once been boys within those hallowed halls, could not stand idly by as their alma mater declined. In their hearts, the motto Semper Fidelis—Always Faithful—still burned bright, and with this fire, they resolved to act. They coalesced and, in rhythm and symphony, moved.
They moved, driven by an extraordinary sense of gratitude, and took it upon themselves to breathe life into their old school. Their mission was not merely to restore the school but to elevate it and ensure it would once again be a guiding light of learning for future generations. And so, with the spirit of warriors and the hearts of poets, they embarked on a revival journey.
What they have accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. Through their tireless efforts, they have raised the funds necessary to rebuild what was lost and construct new facilities that rival those of the finest institutions in the world. Multi-storey classroom blocks now stand where ruins once lay, each brick demonstrating the power of collective will. State-of-the-art science laboratories have been equipped so students can once again pursue knowledge, their curiosity ignited by the tools and resources their predecessors could only dream of. The sporting complex, now a field of dreams once more, serves as a training ground for future champions, where the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance are learned anew.
The CIC Enugu Alumni Foundation is more than a group of former students; it is a community bound together by a shared history and a common purpose. They have not only decked physical structures but rekindled the institution’s soul, restoring its body and spirit. They have reignited the sense of community that once defined CIC, bringing alums worldwide in a shared renewal mission. In their actions, they have woven a drapery of belonging, where each thread is a story of a life changed by the education they received and a life now dedicated to transforming the lives of others.
As an outsider, one cannot help but stand in awe of what has been accomplished. The work of the CIC Enugu Alumni Foundation is not just extraordinary; it is unprecedented. In a world where many have become disconnected from their past, where institutions are often left to fade into obscurity, these alumni have chosen a different path. I am tempted to ask, what drives such devotion? What compels these men, years removed from their school days, to give so much of themselves to this cause? Why have they chosen to remember, to return, and to rebuild?
The answers might lie in the philosophy behind their efforts, rooted in gratitude, stewardship, and a long-term vision for the future. Their gratefulness might not be simply for the education they received but for the values instilled in them, values that have shaped their lives, careers, and characters. Gratitude recognises that they would not be the men they are today without CIC’s foundation. Thus, these alums see themselves as guardians of a legacy entrusted with ensuring that CIC survives and thrives. They understand that their actions today will determine CIC’s future, and they have embraced this responsibility with a sense of purpose and duty. In their vision, they see not just their school’s restoration but its elevation to new heights, where it can again take its place among the finest schools in the country.
In a land where such accomplishments are rare, these alums have set the bar high, creating a model of alumni-driven philanthropy that others should admire and aspire to. They have shown that the strength of an institution lies not only in the hands of the government but in the hearts of those who believe in its mission. They have demonstrated that when alums come together, driven by a shared vision and a deep sense of responsibility, they can accomplish feats that rival even the most established institutions in the world.
So, as I stand on the periphery of this grand narrative, I am filled with a deep sense of respect and admiration. The CIC Enugu Alumni Foundation has shown us all what is possible when love manifests through action, and fidelity to a cause becomes the driving force behind a movement. They have reminded us that even in the face of significant challenges, even when the odds seem impossible, there is always the possibility of renewal and leeway of rebirth. They are crafting a Legacy of Fidelity and a New Dawn at CIC, Enugu.
