General News
Dilapidated Auchi College: Association of Great Achievers, Class of ’91 Steps In with Massive Transformation Ahead of April 6 Commissioning
Determined to give back to its alma mater, the Association of Great Achievers, Class of ’91, Auchi College, led by a visionary leader and oil and gas mogul, Mr.
Moved by the pitiable condition of staff and students, the 1991 set initiated efforts to restore the institution’s lost glory by creating a conducive learning environment for future generations.
The multi-billion naira, state-of-the-art facilities constructed and rehabilitated include a modern ICT/CBT centre with 320 computers, which will also serve as a digital library; a well-equipped science laboratory block for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; a fully equipped sports complex with a standard synthetic football field; functional drainage systems; newly constructed
internal roads; and perimeter fencing to ensure student safety and security.
Other facilities include a modern gatehouse/security post, a solar-powered borehole with 10,000-litre capacity PVC tanks supported by steel stanchions, and a water reticulation system across the school powered by 20KVA lithium hybrid solar systems.
Also installed are six double-lens solar-powered CCTV cameras and 40 units of 20-eye solar streetlights.
Additionally, the project covers the completion and renovation of a 1,000-capacity event centre, a modern administrative building, a multipurpose hall, three classrooms equipped with furniture, fans, and modern teaching aids, a home economics laboratory, and the upgrade of the former Vice Principal’s residence into a cafeteria, sickbay, and corps members’ lodge.
As of Tuesday, March 18, the transformation of the school to international standards is nearing completion, with preparations in top gear for the commissioning of the landmark projects by Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, on April 6, 2026.
Speaking during a guided tour of the facilities, the Principal of the Senior School, Mrs. Adam Obetaru-Jato, described the transformation as unprecedented, noting that such development had never been witnessed in the history of the college.
“It is a marvellous development. When I arrived here in 2024, the school was in ruins—there were no functional buildings, no roofs, and whenever it rained, there was nowhere to go. The entire place was overgrown and unsafe, even for me as the principal,” she said.
“This ongoing transformation has revived our hopes. We are excited and eagerly look forward to the commissioning. We pray that God blesses everyone who contributed to this remarkable project.”
She expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the staff and students, thanking members of the Class of ’91 for their commitment and generosity.
The Project Engineer, Mr. Kenneth Asekome, also recalled the deplorable state of the school during his first visit in 2024 when Mr. Dunia returned to the institution after many years. He noted that the visit inspired the decision to embark on the massive rehabilitation.
“When we first visited, the situation was terrible. There was no single structure you could truly call a school. Buildings were dilapidated, and the environment was flooded, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
He explained that driven by passion and concern for the institution, Mr. Dunia mobilized his classmates to undertake the comprehensive renovation project.
“Work began immediately, and since then, we have worked tirelessly to bring the project to completion,” he added, urging that the facilities be properly managed after completion to ensure sustainability.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Association, a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Dairo Samuel, stated that the projects were executed to meet both national and international standards, particularly the sports complex, in recognition of Edo State’s strong reputation in sports and youth development.
He noted that the projects were carefully selected to address the needs of students, staff, and the wider community, adding that the intervention followed a call by Mr. Dunia to salvage the deteriorating state of infrastructure in the school.
Community members, including women, youths, and leaders, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They highlighted the harsh conditions students previously endured, especially during rainfall, and expressed gratitude to the Class of ’91 for intervening where previous appeals had failed.
“We are grateful to the Association of Great Achievers, Class of ’91, led by our illustrious son, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, for his visionary leadership and commitment to community development,” said a community leader, Mrs. Grace Agatu.
With the remaining finishing touches nearing completion, all is now set for the commissioning ceremony scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026. The event is expected to attract top government officials, as well as prominent figures from the oil and gas sector and other industries.
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