…Pledge to drive sustainable progress in education
In the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
As a people who have benefited from the system governing us, a system that moulded us to who we are today, it is imperative that, we give back to the system or society that made us responsible, by contributing to the well-being of others and the places we lived in.
It is against this backdrop that, Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Lafia, located in the heart of Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital, is witnessing massive transformation in infrastructure, provision of modern learning facilities and improvement on the quality of education as well as inculcating moral discipline on the lives of the students.
The development experienced at GSSS, Lafia, is indeed the initiative of Dr. Faisal Shuaib-led executive of Lafia Old Students Association (LOSA), who is leaving no stone unturned to improve on the standard of education, Infrastructure and other curricular activities in the school.
The salient changes witnessed in recent times, are of course a demonstration of an exemplary leadership, that is determined to give back to the system/society at all costs. For Faisal Shuaib, his excos’ and other alumni, adding value to the system’s top priority of their goals, in a bid to compliment the state government effort in revamping the standard of education in the state.
And some of the changes conspicuously evident, as conceived and executed by the 6th President of LOSA, included six solar boreholes, the establishment of LOSA Secretariat, renovation of office accommodation, the renovation and equipping of the school laboratory, the renovation of the long tennis and basketball courts to international standard, and also the renovation of the school clinic to meet the health needs of the school community, and an insurance premium for the health of the students,
The aforementioned interventions herald the spirit of GSSS Lafia, as their sacrifices and resources are nothing compared to what they have gained in the past, hence the increasing number of members of the association to enable them do much more for the model science school, that made them who they are today.
And these could not have been possible without the support of Governor Abdullahi Sule, who had laid the foundation for the steady progress and development in the science school. Governor Sule’s intervention truly set the pace for LOSA to redirect its priorities and commitment in addressing the rot of infrastructure in their alma-mata.
In other words, what is happening in GSSS Lafia dated when Engr. Abdullahi Sule took over the mantle of leadership as Governor of Nasarawa State.
It is worth mentioning that, just after Sule assumed office in 2019, considering that GSSS Lafia is the only renowned public science school in the state capital, pushed him to mobilized resources from few friends in the banking sector, who specifically invested in the renovation of both male and female hostels and classrooms. A development that provoked LOSA President Shuaib, to respond to some of the pressing needs confronting the alma-mata, whose result has been witnessed today. He used his personal resources to change the face of the school and to make learning easy for the students, as according to him, “nobody can tell your stories better than you. Looking at the school left him with the sweet memories he had during his secondary school days.”
According to the LOSA President, “this is not an effort of just an individual. It’s a collective effort. This is an effort of LOSA. So we are not seeing all of the interventions in this school as that of one individual, but that of the association, bringing everybody together to ensure that we collectively plan out what the priorities are for the school
DFS’s commitment to philanthropic services and contributions to community development started long before he occupied public office, hence why, at the mention of Dr. Faisal Shuaib (DFS), the people get intoxicated excitedly, for having someone with remedies of their challenges. Someone who understands their pain and agony and knows the right diagnosis of their problems.
It is not surprising to say that, when DFS held sway as the Executive Secretary, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, he lived an indelible mark that earned him respect across board, as most rural people due to his intervention from the former office, now have access to quality and affordable services at the primary healthcare level.
His record of achievements over the years, and most recently while leading the noble LOSA members, are testament that Faisal Shuaib can be entrusted with greater responsibility, if given the opportunity to serve the people at the higher level of governance.
This explains why DFS was re-elected at the 3-day National convention/AGM of the association, as National President of LOSA for another term of 4-year.
The convention, with the themed: “Celebrating Unity, Legacy and Progress”, brought together LOSA members from Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Abuja, Nasarawa states and other part of the country, as Mallam Isa Madibo done justice to the topic titled “Governance and Accountability.”
GSSS Lafia, being one of the oldest schools in the former Benue-Plateau province, was established in early May, 1867 and has so far graduated about 27 sets from the school.
Some of the activities featured during the National Convention/AGM included; the presentation of lifetime service award to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Muhammad Sidi Bage (rtd) and Esu Karu, Pharm Luka Panya Baba, a good governance award to Governor Abdullahi Sule, lawn tennis novelty match, Galla/award night, commissioning of Assembly Hall, lawn and basketball courts, LOSA secretariate, boreholes among others projects inaugurated.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, who lauded the idea behind the projects, commended Faisal Shuaib and his executive members for prioritizing growth of the school.
The Governor who is also the grand patron of LOSA said: “I want to congratulate you for all the wonderful work you have done, that we are now going to commission. And I’m happy for the transparent utilization of the resources that you have done in order to do what you have done. And I will explain to you why I said that.
“I want to congratulate the principal, the teachers as well as the students that you are very lucky. Not so many institutions in Nasarawa State have that. We have over 400 secondary schools in Nasarawa State and we don’t have another 400 LOSA. There are very good ones that are coming up and doing the best they can.”
Governor Sule specifically mentioned the LOSA National President, whom he described as a ‘true professional’.
Governor Sule also used the opportunity to charge other indigene of Nasarawa State with the means and exposure to take a cue from Dr. Faisal, to ensure the State feels their impact by investing in any sector of their choice, that will have direct bearing on the lives of the citizens.
Faisal Shuaib, in a remark said was happy for the successful hosting of the convention, saying “we had such a great time recounting the great work that His Excellency, the Executive Governor, has done in the education sector, but also what he has done in terms of providing infrastructure in the health sector, all geared towards human capital development, which is the policy trust of his administration.
“Looking back at the commissioning and also the events that we had in the Assembly Hall, we feel really excited about what the future holds for GSS Lafia and the Lafia Old Students Association. We had the opportunity to renew our very strong bonds with our classmates, with our seniors, and, of course, our juniors.
“Our theme for this year, ‘Celebrating Unity, Legacy, and Progress,’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s the very heartbeat of LOSA. It speaks to the enduring bonds we forged within the cherished walls of Government Science School, Lafia, bonds that have truly stood the test of time and distance. It reminds us of the invaluable educational foundation and the strong values instilled in us, a precious legacy we are absolutely committed to preserving and building upon. Most importantly, it propels us forward, inspiring us to continue our journey of collective progress, hand in hand.
“Today, we’re not just here to celebrate our shared history; we’re here to witness the tangible results of our collective passion and dedication. I am particularly thrilled and deeply honored that His Excellency, our beloved Grand Patron, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, will be commissioning several vital projects. These projects aren’t just buildings or facilities; they are powerful symbols of our unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. They represent our deep desire to provide an even better learning environment for the bright young minds currently at GSS, Lafia, and for generations to come.
The LOSA President, however, acknowledged transformative leadership of Governor Sule and his commitment to education, adding that, “under his watch, the state has witnessed a bold and deliberate transformation rooted in a deep commitment to human capital development, equitable access to quality learning, and modernization of infrastructure and instruction across all levels.
“Across the 13 local government areas, His Excellency has overseen the construction and rehabilitation of over 500 classroom blocks, with improved infrastructure, clean water, and sanitation facilities. These have created more conducive and dignified learning environments for our children and teachers. These physical investments are not only increasing school enrolment but are also helping to restore public confidence in basic education.
“At the tertiary level, we have seen significant reforms. Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, and the College of Education Akwanga have all benefited from increased funding, accreditation of new courses, and construction of new faculty buildings and student hostels. The establishment of new faculties such as Engineering and Medicine is a strategic move that will prepare our youth for emerging national needs and global competitiveness.
“Recognizing that education can only be as strong as the teachers who deliver it, Governor Sule’s administration has recruited thousands of qualified teaching and non-teaching staff across both basic and tertiary institutions. More importantly, he has prioritized continuous professional development, ensuring our teachers are well-equipped to deliver quality instruction in today’s evolving learning environment.
“His Excellency’s focus on inclusive education is also commendable. Through the World Bank-supported AGILE project, hundreds of secondary schools have been upgraded while thousands of adolescent girls are being empowered through improved access, retention, and quality education. Nasarawa is indeed leading by example in providing gender-responsive and inclusive education.
“Not to be left behind in the digital age, the Governor has also championed ICT integration in schools by establishing digital learning hubs and providing internet access in select institutions. These efforts are equipping our students with digital literacy and preparing them for opportunities in a tech-driven world.
“The payment of NECO fees for final-year students is another people-centered initiative that has brought immense relief to families while promoting exam readiness and retention. This is complemented by the administration’s strong support for technical and vocational education, especially through the strengthening of institutions like the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute.
“These efforts collectively reflect a strategic, visionary, and people-centered approach to governance. They are not just milestones, but legacies, laying the foundation for a more educated, empowered, and prosperous Nasarawa State,” Shuaib narrates.
He therefore called on LOSA to continue “to harness our diverse skills, experiences, and networks to uplift our beloved school, enrich our communities, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our dear state and nation.
“As we look at the future, LOSA remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering excellence, promoting unity, and driving sustainable progress. We will continue to explore innovative avenues to support our alma mater and to make a lasting positive impact on society,” he said.
