The 2001 set of Government Secondary School (GSS), Kuje, Abuja, has marked its 25th anniversary with projects aimed at improving students’ welfare and strengthening technology-based education.
The projects, commissioned during the silver jubilee celebration, include the maintenance of the school’s solar power system, provision of water facilities in the boys’ and girls’ hostels, and furniture for the robotics laboratory.
The celebration also featured the recognition of former teachers and administrative staff for their contributions to the development of the alumni members.
Mr Ahmed Zakari, Chairman of the set, said the projects were part of efforts to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for members’ academic and personal growth.
Zakari said the alumni chose to commemorate the milestone by investing in facilities that would benefit current and future students.
“We wanted our 25th anniversary to mean something. We wanted to return to the school that helped shape us and leave behind something that would benefit those coming after us.
“These projects may differ in size and purpose, but they all reflect one simple idea: we want to make a positive difference,” he said.
He acknowledged that the interventions could not meet all the school’s needs but expressed optimism that they would contribute to a better learning environment.
Zakari said the set also presented cash gifts and bags of rice to former teachers and administrative staff in appreciation of their service.
He called on other alumni sets to support their alma mater, stressing that collective efforts could make a significant difference in the school’s development.
Mr Onyeka Ofodile, a member of the set’s Fundraising Committee, said the initiative was motivated by members’ desire to appreciate the school for the knowledge and values that had contributed to their professional achievements.
Ofodile said the anniversary provided an opportunity for members to reconnect with their former teachers and celebrate the institution’s impact on their lives.
He expressed satisfaction with the school’s progress, particularly improvements in infrastructure and the learning environment since their graduation.
The set’s Head Boy, Mr Abubakar Ibrahim, described the teachers as mentors whose discipline and guidance had shaped the lives of the alumni.
He urged current students to remain committed to their studies, respect their teachers and uphold the values of discipline and hard work.
Similarly, the set’s Head Girl, Mrs Grace Nehemiah, commended the teachers for their dedication and sacrifices, including providing support to students when teaching materials were insufficient.
Nehemiah said the alumni now better understood the sacrifices made by their teachers, having become parents themselves.
She encouraged the students to appreciate their teachers, take their education seriously and protect the reputation of the school.
The Principal of GSS Kuje, Dr Adam Bello-Gupa, commended the old students for their contributions, saying the projects would support teaching and learning.
Bello-Gupa, represented by the Vice Principal, Administration, Mrs Margaret Agbugba, said the school was grateful to the alumni for remembering their alma mater.
She noted that the institution had equipped the former students with academic knowledge and moral values, describing their return to support its development as a worthy gesture.
(NAN)
