By Hassan Ibrahim
Four decades after leaving the classrooms of Government Day Secondary School, Zaria, members of the celebrated Rugby Class of 1986 reunited in grand style to mark their 40th Graduation Anniversary, turning the occasion into a passionate call for renewed investment in education and leadership development in Northern Nigeria.
The memorable reunion, held at the Centre of Excellence, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, brought together distinguished alumni, traditional leaders, academics, military officers, senior government officials and education stakeholders who reflected on the transformative role of education in shaping society.
Delivering the keynote address on "Education as the Foundation of Leadership," the Vice Chancellor of ABU, represented by the Director of the Institute of Education, Professor Abubakar Jumare stressed that the reunion should transcend celebration and become a platform for complementing government efforts aimed at reviving education, especially in Northern Nigeria where school enrolment and academic performance remain pressing concerns.
He urged members of the class to remain united, support one another and give back to their alma mater through scholarships, mentorship programmes and educational interventions capable of inspiring future generations.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau,Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli represented by the Garkuwan Ayyukan Zazzau, Engineer Balarabe Ibrahim Musa said that education remains the bedrock of societal development and commended ongoing efforts by government and traditional institutions to improve access to quality education, while also calling for prayers for peace, security and national unity.
Speaking on the theme "Reflections on Public Education and Leadership Legacy," the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Professor Suleiman Balarabe lamented the decline in standards and discipline in many public secondary schools, particularly boarding institutions.
He attributed the situation largely to corruption and poor management, noting that schools such as Government Day Secondary School once produced disciplined, responsible and highly accomplished individuals who later became leaders in various sectors of society.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Sarkin Noman Zazzau, Aliyu Bamalli described the reunion as a celebration of four decades of struggles, achievements, successes and shared memories that have shaped the lives of members of the class.
He disclosed that out of the original 345 members of the 1986 set, 36 had passed away, offering prayers for their souls and urging surviving members to focus on building a stronger future together.
He also announced the establishment of a fellowship for members of the class and formally inducted all attendees into the prestigious "Class of 1986 Hall of Fame," expressing optimism that the reunion would strengthen bonds and inspire greater contributions to society.
The Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Malam Zubairu Aminu, traced the historical evolution of the institution and highlighted several achievements recorded between 2022 and 2025.
He, however, identified major challenges facing the school, including the absence of a proper drainage system and inadequate computer facilities and accessories, calling on alumni and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving infrastructure and creating a more friendly and productive learning environment.
In separate remarks, retired Rear Admiral Muhammed Miftah Abdullahi, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission and Professor Ahmed Mohammed Bakori of Katsina State expressed joy at reconnecting with classmates after forty years and pledged continued support to their former school to create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
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