A major transformation is underway at Auchi College as members of the Association of Great Achievers, Class of ’91, move to restore the institution’s lost glory through a multi-billion naira intervention.
Led by oil and gas entrepreneur Peter Omoh Dunia, popularly known as Peter Black, the alumni group has completed over 90 percent of extensive construction, rehabilitation, and beautification projects across the school.
The initiative, driven by concerns over the deplorable state of facilities, aims to create a conducive learning environment and improve staff welfare. The once-neglected institution is now being repositioned to meet modern educational standards.
Key projects include a 320-capacity ICT/CBT centre doubling as a digital library, fully equipped science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, a modern sports complex with a synthetic football pitch, as well as newly constructed internal roads and drainage systems.
Other upgrades feature perimeter fencing, a modern security gatehouse, solar-powered water supply systems, CCTV surveillance, and solar street lighting to enhance safety and sustainability within the campus.
Additional facilities include a 1,000-capacity event centre, a new administrative building, multipurpose hall, furnished classrooms, a home economics laboratory, and the conversion of the former vice principal’s residence into a cafeteria, sickbay, and corps members’ lodge.
With the project nearing completion, Monday 
Speaking during a guided tour, the school’s principal, Adam Obetaru-Jato, described the transformation as unprecedented, recalling that the school was in ruins as recently as 2024.
“There was practically no building standing, and learning conditions were extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season,” she said, expressing gratitude to the alumni for what she called a historic intervention.
Project Engineer Kenneth Asekome also recounted the dire state of the school before work commenced, noting that the initiative was inspired by Dunia’s personal visit and determination to mobilise his classmates for action.
According to him, construction began almost immediately after the inspection, with teams working round the clock to deliver the ambitious project.
A member of the Board of Trustees, Dairo Samuel, said the facilities were designed to meet both national and international standards, particularly in sports development, where Edo State has a strong reputation.
Community members, including women and youth leaders, have also praised the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that previous appeals to authorities over the school’s condition had yielded little response.
With final touches ongoing, anticipation is building ahead of the commissioning ceremony, which is expected to attract top government officials and key players in Nigeria’s business community.
The intervention stands as a striking example of alumni-driven development, offering renewed hope for students and staff of the historic institution.
Alumni Step In to Revive Dilapidated Auchi College, Governor Set to Commission Projects
