By John Alechenu

The Paul Erinne Foundation has pledged ₦250 million for the remodelling of the Assembly Hall of Government Secondary School Afikpo in what stakeholders describe as the largest single alumni-funded infrastructure project in any secondary school in South-East Nigeria.

The commitment was announced by Paul Erinne, a structural engineer, entrepreneur, and member of the school’s 1967 alumni set, during the 2026 National Delegates Conference of the Government Secondary School Afikpo Old Boys’ Association, GSSAOBA, held within the school premises in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

The project, initially estimated at ₦100 million, was later reviewed upward following a detailed structural assessment conducted by Erinne.

A former National Chairman of GSSAOBA, Ifeanyi Eleje, explained that the increase became necessary after the donor personally inspected the facility.

“I advised him to visit the school to make adequate evaluation as a renowned structural engineer. He visited and made critical observations which significantly increased the scope of the project,” Eleje said.

Upon completion, the assembly hall is expected to become a modern multipurpose facility equipped with contemporary fittings, multimedia and audiovisual infrastructure, a professional public address system, and a solar-powered energy installation.

The facility will serve academic assemblies, civic programmes, cultural activities, and intellectual engagements within the school and the wider community.

Speaking at the event, Erinne said the intervention was motivated by a desire to give back to the institution that contributed to his personal and professional development.

“GSS Afikpo gave me and countless others the tools to succeed. It is only right that we give back in a manner that endures for generations,” he stated.

He also advised students to embrace discipline and dedication as pathways to success while urging the contractor and school management to ensure prudent utilisation of the funds and proper maintenance of the facility.

National President of GSSAOBA, Bobbie Iwe, described the project as a landmark intervention in alumni-driven educational development in the South-East.

“This project signals the commencement of one of the most significant alumni-driven educational infrastructure initiatives in South-East Nigeria. It is about more than bricks and mortar. It is a statement of gratitude to an institution that shaped generations of leaders,” Iwe said.

The school principal, Ogbonnia Nwachi, commended the foundation for the initiative and pledged transparent management of the renovated facility.

Founded during the colonial era, Government Secondary School Afikpo has produced notable alumni across various professions, including law, engineering, medicine, academia, public service, and business.