By Bello Kagara
A paper presented by Bello Kagaraduring a meeting on the formation of a National Association of Katsina Teachers College/Katsina College held at HRH Dr Hehu Idris Hall, Katsina Teachers College, Katsina on 1st July, 2023.
Protocols
Let me express my profound gratitude for having the opportunity to present this paper towards facilitating discussion at the formation stage of a National Association of Katsina Teachers College Old Students. I wish to join the organizers of this meeting in welcoming all participants as well congratulate us all for this worthwhile initiative.
Most of us are aware that, Katsina Teachers College, now Katsina College, was established in 1926, 97 years ago. It has a rich and enviable history of producing prominent teachers, educational administrators, academicians, policy makers, political leaders, etc. at the local, state and national levels.
The legendary Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first Prime Minister of Nigeria; Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, the Premier of Northern Nigeria; Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the first governor of Northern Nigeria; His Royal Highness, Dr. Shehu Idris, the Emir of Zazzau; the champion and leader of ‘Talakawan’ Nigeria, Mallam Aminu Kano all of blessed memories were among the products of this great College.
Today by the will of Allah, Hon. Dr Tajudeen Abbas has joined the list of national leaders produced by Katsina Teachers College.
Our gathering here today, 97 years after the establishment of the College, to form a national association former students of the college, is to say the least, an open demonstration of mean concern and poor attitude of past alumni in protecting and promoting the image of the College. But, better late than never. The foundation being laid today is significant in many ways to this historic and blessed institution to us, to the present and future products of the college and indeed to the educational, social and economic development of our dear state and the nation at large.
In order to underscore the importance of an alumni association and buttress the imperatives of what brought us here today, I have developed a generic shortlist on the significance of an old students’ association, otherwise known as an alumni or alumnae association. Simply put, an alumni association is a body of graduates or former students of a college that aspires to promote the school, community and national development through collective efforts in appreciation or ‘payback’ to the education and good upbringing they received in a particular school.
There are many perspectives to this efforts which are captured through many activities that are stated bellow:
Developing, upholding, promoting and sustaining high academic, spiritual, social and moral standards among members, the alma mater and the community
Offering opportunity for members to stay connected with the college and classmates
Expanding network of friends with external members of the school community through functions organized in the school.
Carrying out and promotion of educational services in the school through renovation, construction of new buildings, conduct of researches, provision of textbooks, furniture and other instructional and leaning materials, uniforms, school feeding, etc to address areas of school needs
Helping low- income earners and the ‘don’t haves’, especially with seed capitals to establish business or support their families.
Making contacts for establishing and supporting business or promotion of economic frontiers
Helping graduates to secure jobs through established and well-to-do members in government and private business circles.
Encouragement and facilitating qualitative academic, social and cultural atmosphere.
Promoting the general welfare of members through various forms of assistance.
Creating the spirit of unity and social cohesion among members, irrespective of socio- economic, gender, tribe, political, educational, etc. status.
Undertaking profitable business ventures to generate revenue for the development of the school and the members of the association
Establishing scholarships for students of the alma matar and for members of the community
Organizing capacity development programs for teachers through workshops, seminars, etc.
Fostering entrepreneurship within members and the school community
Establishing Foundations, Endowment Funds, etc. to facilitate school development
Creating investment avenue for the development of members, the school and the community
Other list of activities that underpin the importance of an alumni association include the following:
Procurement and supply of drugs and medical equipment and facilities.
Supporting sporting activities,
conducting advocacy to promote the image of the school and, where necessary, soliciting school development project and, or resources.
Serving as a bridge between the school and governmental and non-governmental organizations, the International Development Partners (IDPs), influential individuals, etc.
The list of activities showcasing the importance of an alumni association is much and varied. Thus, depending on vision, objectives set forth by an alumni association, there is much that can be done to promote social relationship among member and greatly contribute to the improvement of schools towards ‘paying’ back what the school and the community had given members in the past.
In fact, an alumni association can intervene in any aspect of school management and implementation. It can also initiate or add value to any social and economic status of its members.
Against this background, the imperative for civil presence and participation in addressing the challenges facing colleges today cannot be overstated.
For Katsina Teachers College, in particular, no one can be unaware of daunting challenges militating against its effective management and the attainment of quality education standards. These challenges range from a very high number of enrolment of about 17,000 students , most of whom do not have seating materials, to gaps created by dilapidated and unconducive infrastructure, untrained and insufficient teachers, especially in science and the technology subjects which are much needed in the 21st century socio-economic development. To cap it all, digital leaning resources and teachers are virtually absent in the school.
Thus, in order to assist in addressing these implementation gaps in the school, as well as create formidable group that would promote mutual and beneficial social relationship among its old students, the formation of an alumni association is very much relevant and desirable.
It is on this note that I wish to urge all well-meaning members among its products to support the on-going initiative and participate actively toward its promotion and sustenance. We can do it. Our pride in being the products of this hyper legendary institution and our collective zeal to make meaningful contribution towards helping the school and its products will be our guiding principles.
To help actualize this dream, I call on members at this meeting to contribute positive ideas that will chart solid vision and mission for the association.
Let us have thorough thoughts on what should constitute the goals, aims and objectives of the association, including its core values. We have to postulate on an enduring structure that will stir the activities of the association. The need for the association is not in doubt, therefore, the formation of a Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will be apt.
Similarly, the appointment of an interim leadership is desirable. A timeframe of key take-off activities is also needed at this point in time.
Having made this modest presentation I wish to thank you very much, indeed, for listening.
Bello Kagara
1/7/2023
