Comprehensive Sec School Awo-Omamma Alumni’s ₦1bn Education Investment Earns Imo Govt Commendation ..As Education Commissioner Hails Association’s Landmark Projects, Pledges Stronger Partnership

Comprehensive Sec School Awo-Omamma Alumni’s ₦1bn Education Investment Earns Imo Govt Commendation

..As Education Commissioner Hails Association’s Landmark Projects, Pledges Stronger Partnership

 

By Onyekachi Eze

 

The Comprehensive Secondary School, Awo-Omamma Alumni Association, in Oru East Local Government Area, has received commendation from the Imo State Government for its sustained contribution to the development of education infrastructure at its alma mater, with the association reaffirming its commitment to investing up to ₦1 billion in the school within its first 10 years of existence.

 

The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee and members of the association to the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Benard Ikegwuoha, on September 28, 2026, as the alumni sought to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry in advancing the standard of education at the institution.

 

The association, formerly known as the Awo-Omamma Education Project (AEP), told the Commissioner that its members in Nigeria and the diaspora had, over the past nine years, consistently mobilised resources to complement government efforts in developing the school.

 

According to them, the scale of the intervention has transformed the physical landscape of the citadel of learning, with the alumni undertaking projects ranging from infrastructure and water supply to security, academic facilities, and student welfare.

 

From the address, among the projects executed and some ongoing are a standard examination hall, perimeter fencing with security house and gate, satellite water project with generator, standard library with conference hall and computer centre, annual excellence scholarships, a 10-room en-suite NYSC lodge, teachers’ quarters and principal’s quarters.

 

Others include a new administration block, renovation and upgrading of classrooms and offices, solar street lights, security services, renovation of a three-classroom block, as well as the provision of school desks and chairs.

 

The association said the interventions represent its determination to give back to the institution that shaped generations of professionals and community leaders, stressing that its members remain committed to ensuring that students of the school enjoy a conducive environment for learning.

 

Not forgetting, the alumni thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for the appointment of Ikegwuoha, whom they described as an academic icon.

 

These attracted a strong commendation from the Commissioner for Education, who acknowledged the exceptional scale of its contribution to the school.

 

“For all the alumni, I have never seen any that has done more than your own. I have not seen anyone do what your own organisation has done,” the Commissioner stated.

 

Prof. Ikegwuoha added that “the quantum of projects done and developmental strides is commendable,” while assuring the association of his willingness to work with it.

 

The Commissioner also encouraged the alumni to sustain the momentum by completing the ongoing projects, expressing his personal interest in the initiative and promising a befitting occasion to mark the opening of the completed facilities.

 

“It is a project I love so much,” he said.

 

Earlier, the alumni association had commended the educational initiatives of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, particularly efforts towards improving school infrastructure, strengthening regulatory standards and expanding the teaching workforce in the State.

 

The association specifically acknowledged the recruitment of more than 6,000 teachers, describing the development as an important intervention capable of strengthening the education system across communities.

 

According to the association, its philosophy is that the responsibility for quality education should be approached as a shared commitment involving government, alumni organisations, citizens, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.

 

Against this background, the alumni requested the Ministry’s technical guidance and partnership as it moves to complete and equip the ICT and audiovisual centres in the school’s new library building, as well as complete the ongoing Corpers Lodge, teachers’ quarters and principal’s quarters.

 

The association also drew attention to the need for additional specialised teachers, particularly in STEM and vocational subjects, to meet the demands of the school’s growing student population, which it put at more than 800.

 

It further appealed for the return of two of its members who are teachers in the school, Nzediegwu Adaeze Irene and Onyenazi Chinemerem Cardinal, noting their familiarity with the school and their involvement in the alumni’s development programmes.

 

The alumni also appealed for the posting of an additional principal to the school, explaining that the institution previously had two principals for its junior and senior sections before one was transferred about two years ago without a replacement.

 

Beyond infrastructure, they disclosed plans to introduce a structured mentorship and career-guidance programme, through which accomplished alumni would periodically return to the school to inspire students, provide career guidance and promote moral leadership.

 

It also requested a joint inspection of completed and ongoing projects by the Ministry and the association, with a view to identifying areas where further collaboration could enhance the facilities already provided.

 

The association reaffirmed that its ₦1 billion investment target for 2017–2027 reflects its long-term commitment to the school and its determination to complement the efforts of the State government in building a stronger educational foundation for young people.

 

The delegation also extended an invitation to the Commissioner to the association’s annual global reunion scheduled for January 2–4, 2027, in Owerri, where he is expected to be decorated as Patron/Special Guest of Honour.

 

The address was presented by Engr. Emeka C. Ugoanyanwu, FNSE, FNIWE, KSJI, Vice President (Nigeria), on behalf of the President of the association.

 

Other members of the delegation are Chief Ferdinand Omogah, Chief Roland Onyeuka, Mr Victor Mmerem, and Mr Michael Ekeogu.

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