It was a sweet reunion and a celebration of achievement for the Government High School, Ilorin Old Students’ Association, Class of 2001, as they converged on the college’s hall in commemoration of their 20th anniversary on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.
The occasion also provided an avenue for them to appreciate their teachers and school for positively influencing and instilling discipline in them. They reached out and held prayers in honour of classmates who have passed on.
The reunion brought together several members of that class, who had not seen one another since leaving school 20 years ago.
Having gone their different ways for 20 years, they converged to design ways to give back to the school that made them. The old students also recited the school’s anthem, which created an exciting moment.
The old students felt it was important not only to celebrate but also to ensure that the well-being of the students, teachers, and school facilities was given top priority.
In his welcome address, Lukman Abdulsalam, who was Head Boy during their set, said it was a privilege to be alive to witness the day, though some classmates had passed on and some could not be there due to their busy schedule.
He urged his classmates to make efforts to help one another because a lot of things can be done when people come together in unity and purpose.
Abdulsalam, who also spoke of plans to contribute more to the development of the school, added that the body had taken it upon itself to make the school a point of reference in terms of development and a beautiful learning environment.
Guest Speaker, Mohammed Abass, the founder of the iBass Institute of Learning, said the poor performance of the education sector in Nigeria had become very worrisome, noting that the situation had hindered national development and, until urgent action is taken to review Nigeria’s educational system, its national aspirations will continue to be compromised.
Chairman of the Reunion Planning Committee, Salaudeen Sulayman, said it was worthwhile for old students to come together to celebrate themselves years after departing.
Present at the reunion were doctors, lawyers, teachers, business executives, journalists, and the association’s National President, Raji Mohammed; Major Jawondo, Barr. Abdulrazaq, Dr. Abdulateef Ajadi of the University of Ilorin, and Mohammed Abbas, who also doubles as the guest speaker and CEO of Gockan Iron & Steel Limited, Kelechi Nnakwe.