By Dada Ahmed.
Picture:ASA LG Chairman, Alh. Shehu Amonsa Yahaya warmly received a congratulatory visit from the Old Students Association of Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Afon.
The delegation, comprising esteemed alumni, congratulated Alhaji Shehu Yahaya on his well-deserved victory. They praised his inclusive leadership style and commitment to community development.
Alhaji Shehu Yahaya expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged the association’s support. He emphasized his administration’s dedication to enhancing education and empowering youth in ASA Local Government.
October 30, 2024, marked a historic day for the members of the Government Secondary School (GSS) Afon alumni association. It provided an opportunity for them to give back to the school that laid the foundation for their success in life.
In a remarkable display of dedication and community spirit, the alumni of GSS Afon rallied together to address the educational needs and security of the current students. Their shared mission of bridging the gap between past and present was a testament to their commitment to ensuring Gss Afon regains back glory transforming the future.
Government Secondary School Afon, established on September 3rd,1976, located in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, boasts of a proud educational legacy on Tuesday.This milestone event, held on the school grounds, was celebrated by all who cherish education.
At the colorful ceremony, members of the Alumni Association showed their appreciation for the institution.
Alhaji Babatunde Ibrahim Isiaka, Chairman of the Education Committee, announced the release of funds to support the school’s advancement.
Some alumni that graced the occasion.
Represented by Dr. Abdullahi Atanda Ibrahim, Alhaji Isiaka, a pioneer student of GSS Afon, said that the gesture reflects the alumni’s determination to invest in the environment that shaped the lives of the alumni many them are contributing nation building,home and beyond the shores of Nigeria.
The alumni unveiled a series of financial commitments aimed at revitalizing GSS Afon and supporting its mission to groom future leaders.
In a ceremony filled with gratitude and determination, Alhaji Isiaka presented a report detailing the disbursement of ₦680,000 for essential educational and security initiatives. This gesture, he emphasized, is a testament to the alumni’s commitment to investing in the institution that set them on their enviable path to success.
Alhaji Isiaka said the fund allocated was meticulously designed to address key needs within the school. The breakdown includes.
Academic Excellence Scholarships: The alumni set aside ₦200,000 to award four deserving students—two from the junior category and two from the senior category, with each student receiving ₦50,000. They said these scholarships aimed to inspire students to pursue excellence and ease the financial burden on their families.
To enhanced security measures in the school,the alumni allocated ₦360,000 to hire additional security personnel, with ₦30,000 allocated per month for a year to enhance safety for students and staff, thus creating a secured environment where learning can thrive.
Presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries.
Alumni extend the gesture to support Youth Corps Members by committing ₦120,000 to support three National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who will teach English, Yoruba, and Geography—subjects crucial to the students’ educational growth. According to them,each NYSC member will receive ₦10,000 monthly, allowing him or her to fully contribute to the school’s academic programmes.
The alumni association says its efforts are driven by a vision to restore GSS Afon to its former glory and position it among the top secondary schools in Kwara State and Nigeria. According to the association, the goal is to nurture a school that fosters academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of responsibility in its students.
Alhaji Isiaka emphasized that this initiative is also a promise to create a “beacon of academic distinction” that will produce well-rounded, responsible citizens capable of positively impacting Nigeria’s future.
However, the alumni’s support is not without expectations. They anticipate that the school will continue to improve in academic performance, ensuring that the investment delivers meaningful results for students and the community.
In his closing remarks, Alhaji Isiaka expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this initiative, including members of the Alumni Association, the school principal, staff, students, parents, and guardians. He noted that their collective dedication and support are the forces that will drive GSS Afon toward its full potential.
This generous act underscores the importance of giving back to one’s alma mater. Through their contributions, the alumni are not only supporting the school but also planting seeds for a brighter future. By providing these funds, they reaffirmed their commitment to GSS Afon, helping it reach new heights and continue as a symbol of educational excellence.
Educational analysts regard the alumni’s actions as a proud moment of reflection and a hopeful step toward a brighter future, one that other alumni associations in Nigeria would do well to emulate.
Education Development Committee members are: Alhaji Babatunde Ibrahim Isiaka – Chairman
Hajia Risikat Raimi – Secretary
Hajia Nene Maimunah Bashir – member
Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim – member
Engr. Tunde Apata – member
Prof. Oluwole Akinwumi – member.
Sub committee members formed to discuss with the the school principal for their needs which eventually guided us on our decision.
Hajia Nene Maimunah Bashir – Chairman, Prof. Oluwole Akinwumi – Secretary, and Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim.
Ahmed is among the first set of graduates of Gss Afon in 1981.