Association Celebrates 113 Years, Honours Balewa, Others

The Kobi Primary School Old Pupils Association (KPSOPA) has marked the school’s 113th anniversary with a colourful celebration, honouring distinguished alumni who have excelled in their respective fields and contributed significantly to national development.

Among those honoured were Nigeria’s late prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; former vice president Namadi Sambo; immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; the emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwan Sulaiman Adamu; and former comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, retired Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali.

Other award recipients included the senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba Umar; Dr. Bala Wunti; Ambassador Aishatu Laraba Abdullahi; and the chairman of Bauchi local government area, Hon. Mahmoud Babamaji Abubakar.

Although not an alumnus of the school, Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, was also honoured in recognition of his developmental strides at Kobi Primary School and his commitment to education across the state.

Speaking at the event at the school premises in Bauchi, the interim chairman of KPSOPA, Alhaji Muhammad Dauda, described the reunion as more than a celebration, noting that it provided an opportunity for members to reconnect, renew shared goals, and strengthen their collective commitment to the growth of the school.

In her keynote address, the guest speaker, Hajiya Aisha Laraba, commended members of the association for their sustained contributions to the school’s development, particularly the construction of classrooms and the donation of ICT equipment.

She stressed the need for unity and active participation in the national alumni body to enable the association to achieve its objectives.

However, she expressed concern over inadequate security within the school premises and called for greater parental involvement in ensuring discipline, proper dressing, punctuality, and the protection of school property from vandalism and theft.

Chairman of the occasion, retired Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali, said the celebration was aimed at bringing old pupils together to collectively address the school’s challenges and contribute to its growth and development.

Ali urged members of the association to collaborate closely with the Bauchi State Government in supporting the institution and advocated the establishment of a sustainable alumni fund. He noted that collective support would not only strengthen the association but also enable it to give back meaningfully to its alma mater.

Highlights of the event included the launch of an appeal fund, presentation of awards to deserving members, inspection of classrooms and the school environment, as well as group photographs.