Alumni Spearhead N3.5 Billion Revitalization of Annunciation Catholic College
The Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua Old Boys Association has undertaken a monumental refurbishment of their alma mater, investing over N3.5 billion to transform the institution from a state of near collapse into one of the nation’s premier secondary schools. This significant financial commitment, disclosed by the Global President of the association, Joseph Ohens, underscores the profound dedication of its alumni to their educational roots.
Ohens described the condition of the school prior to the alumni’s intervention as “deplorable.” He painted a grim picture of a dilapidated facility that had, at one point, been reduced to a “cattle ranch.” The academic environment was equally dire, with a stark imbalance of one principal and only three teachers serving over 800 students. The school, he stated, was “practically comatose.”
The alumni association stepped in to rectify this situation after years of neglect that followed the government’s takeover of the school in 1972. Ohens emphasized that the alumni felt a profound responsibility as beneficiaries of the institution to restore it. “We rebuilt our school from scratch, and today it is one of the best secondary schools in the country,” he affirmed. The comprehensive rebuilding effort has resulted in the reconstruction of all buildings, the establishment of a functional road network, and an overall renewal of the campus infrastructure.
Beyond physical reconstruction, the association has also focused on restoring essential services. This includes the recruitment of a substantial number of staff to bolster academic and health services. “We hired about 57 employees, including teachers, nurses, and doctors, to support the school system,” Ohens explained.
The funding for this ambitious project has been a testament to the unwavering commitment of the alumni. Contributions have flowed from both within Nigeria and from the global diaspora, with a significant portion originating from North America. The dedication of former students has been “remarkable,” with some individuals making exceptionally generous donations, including one alumnus who contributed as much as $500,000.
While the government’s role has been primarily supportive by providing an “enabling environment,” Ohens highlighted the crucial role of citizen participation in educational funding. He expressed hope for continued government support, mentioning expectations for the governor’s visit and potential assistance with essential needs such as a school bus.
A significant highlight of the alumni’s efforts was the unveiling of a book titled “The Making of a Great School.” This literary work, authored by Dr. Pius Akhimien of Lagos State University, meticulously chronicles the history of Annunciation Catholic College.
Dr. Akhimien explained that the book was conceived out of a pressing need to preserve the memories and experiences of the school’s earliest students. “There was a need to document the story of the school for posterity, especially as only a few of the first set of students are still alive,” he stated. The book is the product of extensive research, involving in-depth interviews with alumni scattered across Nigeria and in the diaspora. Dr. Akhimien synthesized these diverse experiences into a “readable story.”
The author acknowledged the considerable challenges encountered during the research process, particularly in locating and engaging alumni who graduated as far back as the late 1950s. The dispersal of former students and the varying levels of their engagement with the association made the identification process arduous. “Identifying them was a challenge because many are scattered and not all are active in the association. We had to conduct hours of interviews and then bring everything together into a coherent narrative,” he detailed.
Efe Akigbe, the Lagos branch chairman of ACCIOBA, echoed the sentiment of preserving the institution’s legacy. He described the event and the book launch as integral components of the broader efforts to restore Annunciation Catholic College and safeguard its rich history. “We have been rebuilding our school over the past few years because it had been run down. This book is also part of efforts to ensure our history is not lost,” Akigbe remarked.
The association has announced that all proceeds generated from the book launch will be reinvested into further development projects at the school. Additionally, copies of “The Making of a Great School” will be made available to students through the school library, ensuring that the legacy of Annunciation Catholic College continues to inspire future generations.
