By Sunday Apah
Driven by a commitment to give back to their alma mater, the Association of Great Achievers, Class of 1991, of Auchi College, has nearly completed extensive construction, rehabilitation, and beautification projects within the school.
Led by prominent oil and gas entrepreneur Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, also known as Peter Black, the group has undertaken this initiative to improve educational standards and enhance staff and student welfare.
Moved by the challenging conditions faced by current students and staff, the 1991 alumni set out to restore the institution’s former prestige by creating a more conducive learning environment for future generations.
The multimillion-naira upgrades include state-of-the-art facilities such as: A modern ICT/CBT center equipped with 320 computers, which also functions as a digital library; a fully equipped science laboratory block for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; a sports complex with a standard synthetic football field; 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.
Others are renovation of a spacious 1,000-capacity event center; 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, sickbay, and corps members’ lodge.
The comprehensive remodeling of the school is nearing completion, with all preparations in place for the project’s commissioning by Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, on April 6, 2026.
During a guided tour of the facilities, the Senior School Principal, Mrs. Adam Obetaru-Jato, described the transformation as unprecedented. “What the Class of ’91 Achievers, led by Mr. Peter Dunia, has accomplished is remarkable and unparalleled in the history of this college,” she stated.
She recalled the school’s previous state: “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 Mr. Dunia to mobilize 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 to ensure its sustainability.”
On behalf of the alumni association, BoT member Mr. Dairo Samuel emphasized that all projects were executed to international standards, particularly the sports center, 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.
