BY RITA OYIBOKA
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s continuous drive for educational advancement, revealing that the state is actively considering a partnership proposal from the Government College Ughelli Old Boys’ Association (GCUOBA) aimed at restoring the college to its rightful place as a citadel of learning.
The Governor, represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Prince Johnson Erijo, made this known at the 11th National Annual Dinner of GCUOBA held in Asaba, themed “Alumni as Catalysts of an AI-Driven Future.”
Oborevwori described the event as “a standout moment that rekindles the memory of a great institution which, since 1945, has nurtured leaders and scholars who have made invaluable contributions to Delta State and Nigeria.”He commended the leadership of GCUOBA, led by Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, for its unity, commitment to service, and dedication to preserving the school’s proud legacy.
“I am encouraged by your bold proposal to partner with the Delta State Government in managing Government College Ughelli. The feasibility study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the presentation made to government last year reflects your seriousness and vision. My administration is carefully reviewing the proposal and is open to constructive dialogue to ensure it succeeds,” he said.
Reaffirming education as the heartbeat of his MORE Agenda, the Governor noted that his administration has made heavy investments in infrastructure and reforms to raise academic standards. However, he stressed that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of building an education system fit for the future.
“I therefore call on alumni associations, the private sector, and civil society to complement our efforts through classroom rehabilitation, provision of books, sports facilities, scholarships, and mentorship programmes. Together, we can build a future that honours the past and secures the next generation,” Oborevwori stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin (SAN, OFR), advocated for the transfer of schools to alumni associations that demonstrate the capacity to run them effectively, describing it as “a radical but necessary step.” “It is a radical imperative. With over 682 secondary schools in Delta State, even if government spent all its internally generated revenue on education, it might still fall short of global standards. If any alumni group can shoulder that burden, let it happen,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President-General of GCUOBA Worldwide, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, expressed delight at hosting the association’s 11th annual dinner, which he said served as a platform for members to reconnect, discuss ways to improve their alma mater, and raise funds for ongoing projects.
Akpomudje said the association had, in the past two years, prioritised efforts to secure a partnership with the Delta State Government through the concession of the college to the Old Boys for efficient management and restoration to its former glory.
According to him, the association engaged global consulting firm PwC to conduct a feasibility study on how the proposed concession could be actualised. The report, he said, was formally presented to the Delta State Government in April 2024.
“I want to assure the State Government that we will not disappoint on our promise to effectively run the School for the Government. As a fact the glory at the end of the day will go to the Government of Delta State, while the pride will be that of the Association. I want to sincerely appreciate all Old Boys,” he said.
Host and President of the GCUOBA Asaba branch, Engr. Gabriel Fuludu, also expressed deep gratitude to members and guests for their continued commitment to the association’s vision.
The dinner featured a keynote lecture by Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, who deliberated on the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in modern education and urged alumni bodies to help schools adapt to the fast-changing global learning environment.
The Board Chairman of the Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), Pastor Austin Igbine (3rd left) during the 11th National Annual Dinner of GCUOBA held in Asaba.
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sherrif Oborevwori represented by Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Prince Johnson Erijo (2nd left), the President-General of GCUOBA Worldwide, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (2nd right) at the 11th National Annual Dinner of GCUOBA held in Asaba.
