Renaissance Africa Energy Company has committed over three million US dollars to the comprehensive upgrade of facilities at the Government Technical College (GTC), Okujagu, Port Harcourt, signaling a significant boost to technical education in Rivers State.
The announcement was made by Mr. Olanrewaju Olawuyi, General Manager of Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance, during a stakeholder engagement meeting on Friday in Port Harcourt.
He emphasised that the initiative underlines the company’s dedication to human capacity development and its support for technical education across Nigeria.
According to Olawuyi, the upgraded college, once completed, will rank among Africa’s top technical institutions and compete on a global scale.
“We have already invested over three million dollars in rebuilding the college, equipping it with modern facilities, and training staff.
The project is ongoing, and additional funds will be deployed to ensure its successful completion,” he said.
The redevelopment project, implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is being executed in three distinct phases.
The first phase focuses on physical infrastructure, including the construction of new buildings and renovation of existing structures such as the ICT center and four specialized workshops.
The second phase involves outfitting the college with state-of-the-art tools and technologies to enhance practical learning.
The final phase emphasised sustainability, targeting teacher training, student skill development, and establishing revenue-generating mechanisms to ensure the institution becomes self-sustaining.
“Our goal is to make the college self-reliant through capacity development and financial independence.
”This stakeholder engagement ensures that all parties contribute to achieving this objective,” Olawuyi added.
On security matters, Olawuyi disclosed that Renaissance Energy and NCDMB are actively engaging community leaders, college management, faith-based organizations, and local businesses to safeguard the project.
He called on residents to take collective responsibility in protecting the facility from vandalism and theft.
“Whether you are a native or resident of Rivers State, everyone has an equal stake in the college.
‘:If you witness any vandalism or theft, report it to the police or the school board. We must all protect this investment,” he said.
Mr. Abayomi Bamidele, Director of Capacity Building Development at NCDMB, highlighted the board’s commitment to educational development beyond its regulatory responsibilities in the oil and gas sector.
He stressed that NCDMB works with corporate partners through its Human Capacity Development Initiative to enhance socio-economic growth in host communities.
“Projects like the Government Technical College upgrade are vital to NCDMB.
‘:We are passionate about supporting development in universities, vocational centers, and both secondary and primary schools,” Bamidele said.
Echoing this support, Mr. Allwell Ihunda, Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, assured Renaissance Energy of the local government’s cooperation to ensure timely project completion.
He commended the company for investing in human capital and pledged to tackle encroachment issues around the college perimeter.
“Education drives societal progress. We will work closely with Renaissance and NCDMB to resolve security and encroachment challenges.
”All illegal structures around the college will be removed,” Ihunda stated.
The modernisation of GTC Okujagu marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen technical education in Rivers State, positioning the institution as a model of excellence for the nation and the continent.
