By Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
An Academic has advocated for the resuscitation of Unity Colleges in line with the idea of ensuring unity in diversity, regional and national integration as well as building future leaders for national cohesion and development.
The Director National Teachers Institute NTI Centre of Postgraduate Studies Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Dr Musa Mudi Jahun made the call while presenting a paper titled Impact of Leadership, Unity and Reunion, at the 1st reunion and 25th Anniversary of the Class of 1999 of General Hassan Usman Katsina Unity College GHUKUK Bauchi.
Dr Mudi Jahun who is the Guest Speaker said the idea of federal unity colleges for northern states was conceived by the present Emir of Zuru General Muhammadu Sani Sami retired to bring together people of diverse religions and ethnicities to live together for unity and prosperity.
“The leadership of then I think during Major General Sani Sami at the northern governors meeting in Kaduna decided to establish unity schools. Decided to integrate the youth for nation building, for unity in diversity, and the purpose, as I told you, is to unite the children from different backgrounds, from different milieu. To come together, appreciate one another, giving you education, skills, ability, value, virtue, so that you will develop yourself and develop the community. Without this unity, a lot of you would not have known each other and you would never be here”, Dr Jahun reminisce.
According to him, no movement, group or organisations can succeed without quality and effective leadership premised on a leader with qualities to include being healthy, sympathetic and empathetic, liberal, generous among others.
The Academic who said the purpose of reunion is to unite, help each other and re-establish relationship, urged the set to work towards establishing a national body so to support colleagues, teachers and the Alma Mata.
In their goodwill messages, Sarkin Yelwa Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, former Teachers Mr Halan Balewa, Mr Makafan Aliyu among others advised the 1999 Class to sustain the tempo by identifying with the Alma Mata in all its activities.
In an interview with newsmen, the Chairman GHUKUK Old Boys Association Class of 1999 Malam Nura Abdulhamid said the essence of the reunion was to rekindle relationship and discuss challenges, noting that already they have procured instructional materials to include white board, books among others towards supporting the students of the school.
“Part of what we have agreed upon is to buy some items to be given to school as part of our support so that the students that are currently in the school benefit from us.”
“Many of us excel in various fields. We decided to come together, like I told you earlier, to see where we can support even the school”, Nura Abdulhamid explains.
In a vote of thanks, a member of the Class Solomon Jacob appreciated all the former principals, teachers of the school and the organising committee for working towards the success of the event.
The event featured visit to inspect the Alma Mata and presentation of Award of Excellence to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar Kyari Umar El-kanemi, Award of Philanthropy to the ADC of the Vice President ASP Nuhu Yahaya Sule and Award of Distinction to Yusuf Abubakar Dan Bauchi.