Government College Ughelli revels in $1 million facelift

Dignitaries at the commissioning of the renovated facilities at Government College, Ughelli.

THE 2016 reunion day of Government College Ughelli ,GCU, was indeed an opportunity for the school’s old students to give back to an institution that was literally a springboard for them.
It was an event that attracted public office holders, former students, teachers, parents and students, among others, to the prestigious institution which ranks among the premiere secondary schools in Nigeria.

Recovering the lost glory

Buoyed by the impressive attendance, the national executive committee of the old students under the auspices of Government College, Ughelli Old Boys Association, GCUOBA, further restated its commitment to recover the lost glory of the college.

Prominent in this pursuit, Vanguard gathered, are efforts at having a conducive learning environment and raising students with excellent academic performance and character.

Among the activities at the forum, were the reviews of the goals and principles of GCU as well as the inspection of the school’s facilities.
Of the properties inspected, the Orerokpe House stood out given its impressive new look.

Vanguard Metro checks revealed that the hall of residence which was hitherto in a dilapidated state for decades, was renovated by the alumni association.

It was however gathered that N20 million was spent on the project, even as a total of $1 million was reported to have been expended on the entire institution in the last six years.

In his remarks, President-General Worldwide of the institution, Prof. Oritsegbemi Omatete commended the Delta State governor, Sen Ifeanyi  Okowa, the alumni association and friends of the institution for being part of the restoration of GCU.

Similarly, National Publicity Secretary of GCUOBA, Mr. Stephen Ighofose, said the association would not rest on its oars until it ensures that the institution remains on the path of greatness.

Unquantifiable achievements

“Government College Ughelli is a unique educational institution. Its numerous and unquantifiable achievements constitute a study in its uniqueness that lay in its efforts and demonstrable abilities to achieve very much and excel,” he noted.

Continuing, Ighofose said: “Indeed, it can be said with honour, truthfulness and pride that every generation of students had produced its own heroes and leaders for the nation at the highest levels. Therefore, old boys would not let this generation of students become an exception.”