SOKOTO (Sundiata Scholar) – The Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Memorial College’s Old Students’ Association in Sokoto has demanded that the boarding system be restored and reinstated at the institution.
Alhaji Sa’idu Sarkin Kabin-Yabo, the association’s chairman, made the announcement on Monday in Sokoto at the college’s 60th anniversary.
He claimed that taking this action was essential to modernising the school and restoring its former splendour.
The chairman stated that since its founding in 1963, the institution has undergone several changes. From the Arabic Teachers College (ATC) to the College of Arts and Arabic Studies to the current Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Memorial College.
He claimed that in order to support the college, some association members had built solar power projects, computer rooms with equipment, classrooms, and boreholes.
He claims that the renovation will solve the school’s infrastructural deficiencies and create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
During a presentation, Prof. Ahmad Wali linked the college’s founding idea to the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the Northern Region at the time.He said that among others, the college had produced judges, administrators, and educators who had aided in the social and economic advancement of the nation.
”The Ahmadu Bello’s vision and actions laid the foundation for an educational synergy that transcends time and continue to inspire us today.
”His tenure marked by transformative approach to education, recognising critical need for educational advancement championed by expansion of schooling opportunities, ” he said.
Wali claimed the move will allow for the admission of more students from around the nation, while restating the need for the college to resume residential living and the reintroduction of the boarding system.
The state governor, Ahmad Aliyu, reaffirmed his dedication to raising educational standards and mentioned that the education sector received the largest budget in the projection for 2024.
The governor gave an assurance that the college would be restored while being represented by Alhaji Tukur Bala-Bodinga, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
The tenure of the association executives had been renewed with SarkinKabin-Yabo as the chairman while some old students recognised with merit awards.
They include Prof. Sambo Wali-Junaid; former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Faruk Yahaya rtd, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Augie rtd, Col. Garba Moyi rtd, Tukur Bala-Bodinga, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), and Mustapha Shehu, among others.