By Mahdi Waziri Isa (News Editor)
A University don and Ex-President of Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association, Professor Ahmed Tijjani Mora, has emphasized the crucial role of alumni associations in promoting the educational development of their alma mater and the community. As an old boy of Baba Ahmed Primary School, Tudun Wada, Zaria, established in 1937 as the 2nd public Primary School in Zaria, Prof Mora’s experience is particularly poignant. Notably, he was enrolled in the school in 1963.
Prof Mora, a distinguished Pharmacist and Kayayen Sarkin Musulmi, made this call in his keynote address titled “Role of Old Students Association in the Educational Development of Our Community” at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Baba Ahmed Primary School Old Students Association (BAPSOSA). The event was held on the premises of Baba Ahmed Primary School, Tudun Wada, Zaria on Sunday, 29th December, 2024.
In his address, Prof Mora shared his personal experience as a member of various alumni associations, including the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA), ABU Pharmacy Alumni Association (ABUPAA), and Conference of the Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU).
He noted that these associations have been instrumental in supporting the development of their alma mater and the community. Prof Mora’s contributions to these associations include construction of Secretariat, provision of infrastructure, and organization of workshops and training programs.
Prof Mora who is also the Wakilin Maganin Zazzau emphasized that the expectations from an alumnus to their alma mater is “payback” through various forms of support, including donations, lectures, and mentorship.
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Prof. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah, OON, former Minister of Agriculture and also an old student; Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, OON, Presidential Adviser, also an old boy; The Chairman of Zaria LGC, Engr. Jamilu Jaga as the Special Guest of Honour, also an old student; and The District Head of Waje, the Jarman Kudun Zazzau, Dr. Nuhu Aminu Bamalli as Host. HH the Emir of Zazzau, Mall Dr. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, was the Royal Father of the Day, although he was unable to attend due to being out of the country. Many old students, including professors, doctors, politicians, businessmen, academics, and technocrats from within Zazzau and beyond, were also in attendance.
The Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) is another organization that has made significant contributions to the development of education in Zaria and its environs. ZEDA’s interventions include remedial programs, training programs, scholarship schemes, and primary school intervention programs. These programs have benefited thousands of students and community members.
Prof Mora noted that ZEDA has become an institution with its Abdurrahman Mora Education and Vocational Centre serving as a hub for educational and vocational activities.
ZEDA’s achievements are a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in driving educational development. The organization’s work has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities.
Prof Mora’s involvement with ZEDA is a shining example of his commitment to giving back to his community. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s programs and initiatives.
In addition to his work with ZEDA, Prof Mora has also been actively involved with other alumni associations, including BOBA and CAANU. His contributions to these organizations have been significant, and his leadership has been instrumental in driving their programs and initiatives.
Prof Mora’s experience and expertise have been invaluable in shaping the work of these organizations. His commitment to giving back to his community is a testament to the power of alumni associations in driving educational development.
The AGM was the second to be hosted by the Association – BAPSOSA and the first one to have a Keynote presented. It marked a significant milestone in the association’s efforts to promote educational development in the community.
Prof Mora’s emphasis on the importance of alumni associations in promoting educational development is a call to action for old students to get involved and make a positive impact on their alma mater and community.