By Ahmad Saka
Toro Science School Old Boys Association (TOSSOBA) set of 1985, in Bauchi State has commissioned renovated and furnished blocks of five classrooms, 50 solar powered street lights and unveiled the construction of the proposed examination hall and rehabilitation of a five kilometre road network in the school –their alma mater.
The event was part of the activities to mark its 40th anniversary.
The old boys who gathered in Bauchi on Friday and Saturday in the school wine, dined and reminisced about memories of their days as students of the institution.
Speaking, at the occasion the Chairman of the 1985 set, Dr. Muhammad Sadiq, thanked his colleagues for their dedication and called for sustained efforts to support the students’ academic success.
According to him, the Association has renovated and furnished blocks of five classrooms, 50 solar powered street light and unveil the construction of the proposed examination hall and rehabilitation of five kilometre road network in the school which the old students have secured approval for the construction of a new examination hall by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, headed by one of the members, Professor Samson Duna, to facilitate smooth transportation for students and staff.
Sadiq recounted how a few members conceived the idea to reunite and give back to the school, leading to the various projects now in motion.
He said, after a minute’s silence was observed for their departed colleagues, “The association has been a cornerstone of connection, camaraderie, and service to the institution. It has provided us with a platform to reconnect with old friends, share stories, and support one another. We have come together to celebrate successes, mourn losses, and offer assistance to the school.”
He said “40 years ago, we embarked on a journey together, bound by shared experiences and memories of our school days. Our experiences are almost similar.
We came here as children but left as adolescents.
“We cherished and respected all our teachers, especially our old teachers who were youth corps members GSS Toro (1982 - 1983), Hamidu A. A. Kadi Kuta was a father to all. He knew us by name and face and he built a strong relationship with us.
“Today, we gather to reflect on the incredible milestones we have achieved as individuals and collectively, a direct result of our alma mater’s legacy.
“Our association has been a cornerstone of connection, camaraderie, and service. It has provided us with a platform to reconnect with old friends, share stories, and support one another. We shall strive to make our association a source of strength, inspiration, and lifelong friendships.
“As an association, we have been able to give back to the school to the best of our abilities,” he said.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, on Saturday Gov Bala Muhammad, represented by the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lawan Rimim Zayam, commended the 1995 alumni for their commitment to creating a better learning environment.
He assured the old students of his administration’s dedication to repositioning the education sector.
The Commissioner also pledged that the government would fence the school and repair the school bus to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
He urged other alumni sets to emulate the 1985 group’s gesture for the collective development of public schools across the state.
At the event, some notable alumni, including Muhammad Jalo from Yobe State and Engineer Muhammad Bello from Adamawa State, expressed gratitude to fellow members and encouraged them to keep up the good work.
The school principal, Adamu Aminu Ibrahim, highlighted the school’s achievements in external examinations and appealed for the timely fencing of the school for enhanced security.
Aminu thanked the association and prayed to God to replenish the pockets that provided the funding.
He said “Education is supposed to be a joint effort of the community, government, and teachers. Where there is such cooperation, things will always work."
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, also an alumnus, praised the group’s efforts as a sign of their dedication to the school’s brighter future.
In closing, General Abubakar Maikano Gori pledged a cash prize of N50,000 each to the three best students as motivation to excel.
Many members of the 85 set interview said they are happy to be alive and celebrate after 40 years and give back to the school that molded them in their formative years.
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