Auchi College Alumni, Class of 1991, Spearhead Major Renovation Ahead of Gov’s Commissioning April 6

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Driven by a commitment to give back to their alma mater, Association of Great Achievers, Class of 1991, of Auchi College has undertaken extensive construction, rehabilitation, and beautification projects within the school.

Led by prominent oil and gas entrepreneur, Mr. Peter Dunia, also known as Peter Black, the group undertook the initiative to improve educational standard and enhance staff and student welfare

The multimillion-naira upgrades included state-of-the-art facilities, such as a modern ICT/CBT centre equipped with 320 computers, which also functions as a digital library; a fully equipped science laboratory block for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; and a sports complex with a standard synthetic football field.

Others are functional drainage systems and newly constructed internal roads; perimeter fencing to ensure student safety and security; a modern gatehouse and security post; a solar-powered borehole with 10,000-liter PVC tanks, steel stanchions, and water reticulation across the campus; a 20KVA lithium hybrid solar power system; six double-lens solar-powered CCTV cameras and forty 20-eye solar street lights.

The group is also working on renovation of a spacious 1,000-capacity event centre; a new administrative building and multipurpose hall; three refurbished classrooms furnished with desks, fans, and modern teaching aids; a home economics laboratory and conversion of the former vice principal’s residence into a cafeteria

The comprehensive remodelling of the school is nearing completion, with preparations in place for the project’s commissioning by Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, on April 6.

During a guided tour of the facilities yesterday, Senior School Principal, Mrs. Adam Obetaru-Jato, described the transformation as unprecedented, saying, “What the Class of ’91 Achievers, led by Mr. Peter Dunia, has accomplished is remarkable and unparalleled in the history of this college.”

Obetaru-Jato recalled the school’s previous state, stressing, “When I arrived in 2024, the buildings were in disrepair, roofs were missing and the overgrown forest made the environment unsafe. This renovation has revived our hopes and we are deeply grateful to everyone involved.”

Project Engineer, Mr. Kenneth Asekome, recounted the school’s dilapidated condition during an initial visit in 2024, which motivated Dunia to mobilise his classmates for the renovation.

“The buildings were crumbling and flooding was common during the rainy season. It was Mr. Dunia’s dedication that inspired this full-scale revitalization,” Asekome explained.

He added, “Since work began, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure timely completion. I urge the alumni to oversee the project’s management post-commissioning.”

On behalf of the alumni association, BoT member, Mr. Dairo Samuel, emphasised that all projects were executed to international standard, particularly the sports centre, aligning with Edo State’s reputation for youth and sports development.

Local community leaders, including women and youth representatives, praised the Class of 1991 for their intervention.

“We had long been concerned about the school’s decline, and previous appeals to the government yielded little response. We are thankful to Mr. Peter Dunia and his colleagues for their visionary leadership,” said women’s leader, Mrs. Grace Agatu.

With only minor finishing work remaining, the stage is set for the April 6 commissioning ceremony, which is expected to draw top government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from across Edo State and beyond.