By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Royal Integrated Schools, one of Ebonyi State’s oldest private academic institutions, marked its 30th anniversary on Friday with the commissioning of its permanent site.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Governing Board and the propietor, Prince Ndubuisi Onwe Chibueze-Agbo, said the school has survived multiple crises since its establishment on August 25, 1995.
“Royal has weathered many storms to reach this glorious milestone. Since inception, the journey has never been easy, yet our resilience and unwavering commitment have sustained us,” Agbo said.
He recalled that the school previously operated from four temporary sites, one of which was sold in 2004 to cover legal expenses during earlier crises.
“Although we have moved forward with hope and faith, we must acknowledge a painful part of our history. There were times when some of our students were unjustly prevented from writing Junior WAEC, Senior WAEC, and NECO examinations. Many suffered trauma due to politically motivated disruptions.
“Regrettably, neither the perpetrators nor the administration involved have offered an apology or compensation. Between 2017 and 2021 alone, we incurred damages worth over 700 million naira. Combined with earlier losses, Royal has lost over 1 billion naira to unwarranted attacks.”
Agbo highlighted major infrastructural upgrades, including tiled classrooms, modern laboratories, a multipurpose hall, solar and borehole systems, and a completed principal’s office. He also announced that the boarding system will resume fully in January 2026, with an expansion planned for September 2026.
Despite creating over 2,000 jobs and awarding over 4,000 scholarships, Agbo noted that the institution has never received government support. The school has also expanded into tertiary education with the first private nursing college in Ebonyi State — Royal College of Nursing Science, Umuagara-Ezzamgbo.
Commissioning the permenant site, the former Governor Chief Martins Nwancho Elechi, expressed gratitude to guests while unveiling the structure.
Adding ” I love secondary schools , our own secondary school made me what I’m today. Before the civil war, I was the vice principal of Izzi county school, ever since then I haven’t had any encounter with the secondary school this is the first of it kind. Courtesy of Prince Agbo-, disciplined man and man of integrity.
“The government is trying to improve on the standard of education. I remembered what the propietor of this school passed through , he went through hell and fire to make sure that this school stands. I urge you to continue to stand firm , you have been tested by various situation. And to the students don’t joke with your academics, be disciplined, don’t be wayward.” He stated
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sunday Onwe, praised Agbo, describing him as “a tree standing tall among others,” and commended Royal for producing graduates who create employment within and outside the state.
The event also featured awards of honour to notable figures, including Chief Martins Elechi, Senator Christopher Nwankwo, Sen. Ngiji Ngele, Senator Anthony Oduma-Agbo,Princess Chetachi Jerry Usulor, Chief Collins Ode Nwankwo Agbo, Ugoeze Ngozi Edugwu Chibueze-Agbo, Lady Eze Nneka Ogba, Dr. Joshua Chigozie Chibueze, Sir John Mbam, and Chief Barr. Tochukwu Ogalegu, among others.