Erinne Allocates N250 million to Rebuild GSS Afikpo Hall

* Donor expands project scope after structural audit raises cost from N100m

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

Dr. Paul Erinne, a 1967 alumnus of Government Secondary School (GSS), Afikpo, has pledged N250 million to remodel the school’s Assembly Hall. Stakeholders say this is the largest single alumni‑funded infrastructure project for any secondary school in South‑East Nigeria.

Erinne, a structural engineer and founder of the Paul Erinne Foundation, announced the commitment during the 2026 National Delegates Conference of the Government Secondary School Afikpo Old Boys’ Association (GSSAOBA), which was held at the school in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

A statement issued in Abuja on Friday and released to THISDAY noted that the original estimate of N100 million rose to N250 million after Erinne carried out a comprehensive structural assessment and recommended an expanded scope of work.

The statement quoted former GSSAOBA National Chairman Chief Ifeanyi Eleje, who said the donor had insisted on a technical evaluation before committing. The evaluation revealed critical structural issues that required a more extensive reconstruction plan.

Under the upgraded plan, the Assembly Hall will become a modern multipurpose facility equipped with advanced audiovisual systems, professional‑grade sound infrastructure, contemporary interior fittings, and a solar‑powered energy system.

The upgraded hall is expected to serve academic, civic, and cultural purposes for both the school community and the wider public.

Addressing alumni, students and dignitaries at the event, Erinne described the intervention as a responsibility to future generations rather than an act of charity. He urged students to embrace discipline and excellence, noting that GSS Afikpo had provided him and many others with the foundation for success.

“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 said.

Erinne also urged the contractor and school management to ensure accountability and proper maintenance of the facility upon completion.

National President of GSSAOBA, Dr. Bobbie Iwe, called the project a landmark in alumni‑driven educational development in the region, saying it reflected the enduring bond between the institution and its graduates.

Mr. Ogbonnia Nwachi, the 21st principal of the school, praised the donor for the intervention and pledged transparent management of the completed facility.

Founded during the colonial era, Government Secondary School, Afikpo, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools, with distinguished alumni across law, medicine, engineering, academia, public service and business.

The Assembly Hall and Pavilion projects were conceived as legacy initiatives during Chief Eleje’s tenure as GSSAOBA national president, but Erinne’s intervention has now elevated the project to a benchmark for alumni‑funded educational infrastructure in the South‑East.