Stakeholders and former pupils of the historic Muhammadu Nya Primary School in Jalingo, Taraba State, have issued a passionate appeal for renewed investment in the institution's infrastructure, teacher training, and scholarship programmes.
A Call to Sustain a Historic Legacy
The urgent call was made during the 2nd Edition of the Old Students’ Association Congress held over the past weekend. The event served as a major reunion for alumni bound by a shared history and a sense of duty towards their alma mater.
Chairman of the Congress, Engineer Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, emphasized the profound role the school has played in shaping lives. Represented by Professor Shehu Usman Karim, Sambo described Muhammadu Nya Primary School as more than just a learning centre. "It is an institution that has produced leaders, professionals, and change-makers who contribute significantly to our national development," he stated.
He framed the alumni's role as a "sacred duty" to preserve the school's legacy and ensure its continued excellence, reinforcing that primary education is the bedrock of societal progress.
Personal Contributions and Persistent Challenges
Engineer Sambo, a former Minister of Transportation, highlighted his personal contributions to the school, which include:
- Rehabilitation of security fences and classroom blocks.
- Construction of a one-storey building.
- Establishment of an ICT centre equipped with 12 computers.
He noted that similar development projects have been extended to other primary schools in the community, underscoring a commitment to grassroots educational development.
However, Sambo did not shy away from outlining the significant hurdles facing primary education today. He pointed to inadequate facilities, teacher shortages, and the pressing demands of the digital age as key challenges that require collective action.
He urged fellow alumni to address these issues through strategic partnerships and investments, prioritizing:
- Modern classroom infrastructure.
- Continuous professional training for teachers.
- Scholarship and mentorship programmes for pupils.
- Stronger engagement with parents and the community.
Building Towards a Centenary Celebration
Adding his voice, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Hisham Aliyu Bacci Mohammed, stressed the fundamental importance of giving back to one's alma mater. The Acting Provost of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, described primary school as the place where core values like perseverance and discipline are first instilled, making investment there critical.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Old Students’ Association, Mohammed Umaru, provided historical context, revealing that Muhammadu Nya Primary School was established in 1927. He announced that plans are already in motion to celebrate the school's centenary anniversary in 2027.
Umaru called on all association members to intensify support for the school's growth, noting its impressive record of producing notable traditional rulers, academics, politicians, and technocrats across Nigeria. The collective message from the congress was clear: securing the school's future requires immediate and sustained action from its most successful products—its alumni.
