By IBRAHIM SULEIMAN
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector, with 25 per cent of the State’s budget allocated to education over the past three budget cycles.
He stated this at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Barewa Old Boys Association-BOBA, held at the Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar Hall in Zaria.
Represented by Commissioner for Education, Professor Sani Sambo, the Governor said his administration had continued to renovate schools and upgrade educational infrastructure across the State.
He also disclosed that about 300,000 out-of-school children had been reintegrated into the formal education system, while efforts were ongoing to integrate Almajiri education into mainstream schooling.
Senator Uba Sani noted that the government would engage unions in other state-owned institutions following the resolution of the dispute involving Kaduna State University.
He disclosed that a nine-member negotiation committee had been constituted to address outstanding issues affecting the institutions.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, represented by Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Turaki Guru, described the gathering as an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, colleagues and distinguished members of the Barewa family.
He recalled his long-standing relationship with Barewa College and expressed pride in the achievements of its old students.
The former Head of State noted that the institution had produced distinguished Nigerians who had contributed significantly to the development of the country.
General Gowon emphasised that the values of discipline, excellence and service acquired at Barewa College had continued to shape the lives of its students and old boys.
He urged members to uphold these values and ensure that the legacy of the institution was preserved for future generations.
Also speaking, National President of the BOBA, Major General Alwali Kazir Rtd, called for stronger collaboration, accountability and strategic leadership to reposition the association as a forward-looking institution capable of contributing to national development.
According to him, the AGM provides an important platform to render stewardship, review the association’s financial and operational performance, assess achievements and chart a strategic course for the future.
The BOBA President also said the current leadership had made appreciable progress in improving communication among class chapters and state branches, strengthening administrative structures and promoting greater inclusivity.
He added that the leadership had also worked to bridge the gap between older and younger members, while improving financial transparency and institutional governance despite administrative and resource challenges.
General Kazir Rtd urged members to actively participate in deliberations on the association’s future initiatives, particularly in strengthening its mentorship programme, supporting the infrastructure needs of the College and improving welfare support for members.
He expressed appreciation to the association’s National Executive Committee, state branches, chapters, patrons, Board of Trustees and members for their sacrifices, counsel and financial contributions.
The President urged members to conduct their deliberations with the values of integrity, service, loyalty and excellence instilled at Barewa College.
The 2025 AGM was attended by the representatives of the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Yawuri, and other distinguished members of the Barewa Old Boys Association.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
