The National President of the Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association, BIKOBA, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad, has called for increased support for government and stakeholders for the development of Government Unity College Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State.
He made the call while delivering his address at the 41st annual general meeting of the association held at the college premises in Birnin Kudu.
Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad explained that holding the meeting at the school was to enable members assess the condition of their alma mater and identify areas where support is needed in order to complement governments efforts.
He commended the Jigawa State Government for its interventions in the education sector, particularly the budgetary provision for the renovation of the college.
He also appreciated the administration of Governor Umar Namadi, for its commitment to educational development despite the challenges across various sectors of the economy.
The President acknowledged the support of partner organizations such as the Dangote Foundation, Ganduje Foundation, Qatar International and the National Communications Commission (NCC) , alongside contributions from class chapters and individual members.
He also commended the Birnin Kudu and Buji Local Government authorities for their support to the college during emergencies.
Ja’afar Usman Muhammad expressed concern over the condition of the BIKOBA secretariat annex in Dutse, which he said requires rehabilitation and fencing.
He appealed to members for financial support to enable the association address the challenge.
He further identified priority areas requiring government attention, including reconstruction of a hostel destroyed by fire, renovation of dilapidated hostels, classrooms and administrative blocks, rehabilitation of computer centres, expansion of the college mosque, renovation of conference and dining halls, renovation staff quarters among others.
Ja’afaru also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in admission procedures, warning that admitting students into senior secondary school without completing junior secondary education could lower academic standards.
He called on the government to investigate the issue and reintroduce junior secondary admissions in line with existing policy.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
