The Government Secondary School Afikpo Old Boys’ Association (GSSAOBA), in proud partnership with the Paul Erinne Foundation, will tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, flag off the comprehensive remodeling of the historic Assembly Hall of Government Secondary School (GSS), Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The flag-off ceremony, scheduled to take place at the school premises in Afikpo, signals the formal commencement of what promises to be one of the most significant alumni-driven educational infrastructure projects in South-East Nigeria — a transformational initiative valued at over N250 million.
The Assembly Hall Remodeling Project forms the centrepiece of the GSSAOBA Legacy Project and will transform the institution’s iconic hall into a state-of-the-art facility befitting its storied heritage. Upon completion, the hall will feature contemporary fittings and furnishings, a fully integrated multimedia infrastructure, a professional-grade sound system, and a solar-powered energy installation — positioning it as a modern hub for academic activities, civic engagement, and intellectual discourse.
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Dr. Bobbie Iwe, National President of the Government Secondary School Afikpo Old Boys’ Association. “It is a statement of gratitude to an institution that shaped generations of leaders, and a commitment to ensuring that future students inherit a facility worthy of their potential.”
The project is wholly funded by distinguished alumnus Dr. Sir Paul Erinne, through his Paul Erinne Foundation — an organisation with a consistent track record of impactful interventions in education and community development across Nigeria.
Commenting on his motivation, Dr. Sir Paul Erinne said the donation reflects a deeply personal obligation to the school that laid the foundation for his personal and professional achievements. “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 to come.”
Government Secondary School, Afikpo, founded during the colonial era, holds a distinguished place in Nigeria’s educational history. The school has produced notable personalities across diverse fields, including law, public relations, medicine, academia, engineering, and business — cementing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s premier secondary institutions.
The Assembly Hall Renaissance is the first in a series of planned infrastructure upgrades under the GSSAOBA Legacy Project, which aims to preserve the school’s proud heritage while modernising its facilities to meet 21st-century standards.
Saturday’s flag-off ceremony is expected to draw a distinguished audience, including alumni from across Nigeria and the diaspora, traditional rulers, senior government officials, education sector stakeholders, and members of the wider Afikpo community.
About GSSAOBA The Government Secondary School Afikpo Old Boys’ Association (GSSAOBA) is the alumni body of Government Secondary School, Afikpo, Ebonyi State. The Association is committed to advancing the school’s academic excellence, infrastructure, and heritage through sustained alumni engagement and investment.
About the Paul Erinne Foundation The Paul Erinne Foundation is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to education, community development, and human capital investment in Nigeria, founded by Dr. Sir Paul Erinne.
