GCC, Zaria Class of 1979 Reunites After 46 Years, Alumni Pledge Support to Alma Mater

The Government Commercial College (GCC), Zaria Class of 1979 has reunited, 46 years after their graduation.

The reunion, held in Abuja, featured a series of activities including a lecture, health talks, an Annual General Meeting (AGM), a dinner, and other engagements.

Delivering the reunion lecture, the Guest Speaker from the Department of Political Science, University of Abuja, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Abba, emphasized the need for unity of purpose among members of the Alumni.

Prof. Sadiq Abba, whose presentation focused on the benefits and challenges of alumni associations, underscored their importance and urged Class ’79 of Government Commercial College, Zaria, to harness their collective strengths for the advancement of members and their Alma Mater.

He explained that alumni benefits operate on both vertical and horizontal levels, ranging from infrastructural development in their former schools through institutional support to responsibilities owed to fellow members, communities, and the nation at large.

The scholar encouraged alumni groups to complement government efforts in strengthening the nation’s education sector.

In his words, “This can be achieved through institutionalizing scholarships for the less privileged, constructing classrooms, providing books and instructional materials, initiating best teacher awards, promoting professionalism and productivity, and establishing school clinics, among other projects that can accelerate educational development.”

While congratulating the Class of ’79 for reuniting after 46 years, Prof. Sadiq Abba urged them to establish functional and effective leadership structures to steer the affairs of the alumni body.

An alumna of the College and Dean at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo State, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Abiola, expressed joy at reconnecting with classmates after more than four decades. She reaffirmed their commitment to supporting one another and contributing to the growth of their Alma Mater.

Another alumnus, Mr. John Ibrahim, a retired staff of the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance, also expressed excitement at meeting his former schoolmates after such a long time. He pledged to support the goals of the reunion.

The three-day event in the Federal Capital Territory featured social activities, interactions, and reflections, as the alumni dined, bonded, and shared ideas on the future of their association.