Niger science schools’ old students condole Suleja emir over wife’s death

The old students of the Niger State Science Colleges have paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleja in Niger State, Malam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, over the death of his wife. The association also celebrates the emir’s enduring legacies – most notably the establishment of the state’s science colleges. The delegation visited the emir […]

The old students of the Niger State Science Colleges have paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleja in Niger State, Malam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, over the death of his wife.

The association also celebrates the emir’s enduring legacies – most notably the establishment of the state’s science colleges.

The delegation visited the emir in his palace on Sunday to express their appreciation for his vision and contributions to educational development during his tenure as the state’s first civilian governor.

The schools, established under his administration in 1980, include Government Science College (GSC) Izom, GSC Kagara, GSC Kutigi and Government Girls Science College (GGSC) Minna.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Professor Abdulkadir Abubakar said the visit was twofold: to condole with the emir over the recent passing of his wife and to honour his achievements as governor.

He noted that the emir’s vision had produced high-calibre professionals who had excelled in various fields and continued to contribute to the development of Niger State and Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, Tpl. Umar Shu’aibu, an alumnus of GSC Izom, expressed pride in the emir’s transition from a visionary governor to a respected traditional ruler.

He noted that history would remember the emir for an initiative that groomed scientific talent, effectively allowing Niger State to compete with the established science school system of Kano State.

Shu’aibu promised that the various alumni bodies would henceforth work under a single umbrella to pursue the common goal of developing their alma maters, adding that the association would continue to seek the emir’s “elderly advice”.

In his response, the emir expressed gratitude for the visit, noting that some members had travelled long distances to offer their condolences.

He recalled previous visits from the alumni and expressed immense pride in their professional successes.

The emir urged the association to advocate for the renovation and improved conditions of the colleges to ensure they remained fit to fulfill the scientific vision for which they were established.

Our correspondent reports that the delegation was led by Professor Abdulkadir Abubakar, President of the Government Science College Izom Old Boys Association (IZOBA) and pioneer President-General of the Amalgamated Niger State Association of Science Colleges Students.

Other prominent members of the delegation included Tpl. Mallam Umar Shu’aibu; Yahaya Muhammad Mambo; Adamu Usman (Banagan Zazzau Suleja); Alhassan Salihu Zuba (Ajiyan Zazzau Suleja); Mohammed U. Sokomba, Secretary-General of the Kagara Old Students Association (KAGOSA); and representatives from the Maryam Babangida Girls Science College (MBGSC) Minna, including Dr. Maryam Talatu Umar, Hadiza Ladi Dahiru and Raliyat Muhammad. Senator Shehu Sani was also noted as a member of the visiting group.