General News
Edo Governor, Okpebholo to commission remodelled Auchi College, April 6th
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 the current staff and students, the 1991 set undertook the task of restoring the old glory of the citadel of learning by creating a conducive environment for successive students.
The multi-billion naira, state-of-the-art newly constructed and rehabilitated facilities include a modern ICT/CBT Centre with 320 computers, also serving 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 for the safety and security of students.
Other facilities include a modern gate house/security post, a solar-powered borehole with 10,000-litre capacity PVC tanks mounted on steel stanchions, water reticulation across the school powered by a 20KVA lithium hybrid solar system, six double-lens solar-powered CCTV cameras, and 40 units of 20-eye solar street lights.
In addition, the projects cover the completion and renovation of a spacious 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 old Vice Principal’s residence into a cafeteria, sickbay, and corpers’ lodge.
The transformation of the school to international standards is almost complete as of Tuesday, March 18, with all set for the commissioning of the landmark projects by Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, on April 6, 2026.
Speaking to newsmen 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.
Her words: “It is a marvellous thing that is going on here right now because when I came here in 2024, the school was in shambles. There was no building standing, there was no roof, so when it rains, we have nowhere to go. The place was overgrown, and I was scared even as the principal.
“So, this project coming at this time and transforming the place into this glorious institution has raised our hopes. We are excited and looking forward to the commissioning, praying that God bless all those who have contributed to this immense renovation exercise.”
She added: “With all my heart, I say a very big thank you on behalf of myself, the staff, and the entire students of Auchi College. We are deeply grateful for all they have done. Thank you to all members of the Great Achievers, Class of ’91. May God continue to bless you.”
The Project Engineer, Mr. Kenneth Asekome, also recalled the terrible state of the college during his first visit in 2024 when Mr. Dunia decided to inspect the school after many years. He noted that it was after that visit that the decision was made to give the institution a befitting facelift.
According to him: “I remember the first day we visited the place. When we got here, it was a disaster. There was nothing. Even where they stayed was dilapidated and flooded, especially during the rainy season.
“There was no building you could call a school. That was what we met, and it was because of his passion and sympathy for the school that he mobilized his classmates to undertake major renovations.”
He added: “On the second day, we mobilized and commenced work, and since then, we have been working day and night to ensure the project is completed.
“I pray God continues to bless them for what they have done here. It is rare. I would also advise that after completion, they should manage the project for some time before handing it over, so it can stabilize and not deteriorate.”
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Association, a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Dairo Samuel, disclosed that the projects were executed to top-notch international standards, particularly the sports centre, noting Edo State’s strong reputation in sports and youth development.
He explained that the projects were strategically selected and constructed based on national and international specifications to meet the needs of students, staff, and the wider community.
He added that the Class of ’91 responded to a clarion call by their leader, Mr. Dunia, to rescue the college from years of infrastructural decay.
Community members, including women, youths, and leaders, also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that the deplorable condition of the college had long been a concern, as students were forced to learn under harsh conditions, especially during rainfall, and previous efforts to draw government attention had yielded no results.
A community leader, Mrs. Grace Agatu, said: “We thank the members of the Association of Great Achievers, Class of ’91, Auchi College, led by our illustrious son, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, for his visionary leadership and commitment to the growth of the community and the wellbeing of the people.”
With the remaining 10 percent of finishing work being accelerated, all is now set for the commissioning ceremony scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026. The event is expected to attract top government officials from Edo State and beyond, as well as prominent business figures, particularly from the oil and gas sector.