36 Years After Graduation, Army Day Secondary ’88 Set Reunites, Relives Fond Memories

Old students of Government Army Day Secondary School (GADSS), Bida, Niger State, recently reunited in Abuja after reconnecting via social media and WhatsApp group chats. The reunion, held after 36 years, brought together members of the 1987/1988 graduating class for a nostalgic celebration of their shared history and accomplishments.

Spanning three days, the event offered a mix of fun, networking, and philanthropic activities. The alumni, now successful adults with families of their own, reminisced about their school days while donning the two sets of uniforms they wore back then: white-on-pink and white-on-green. The reunion culminated in a glamorous gala night on the third day in the Federal Capital Territory.

The gathering also featured playful recreations of school routines, including early morning assembly, roll calls, a match past, and even a nod to the discipline that marked their time at school. Brigadier General Ojogbane Adegbe and other classmates took on the roles of Labour Prefects, administering the familiar “frog jump” and other school-time deterrents, bringing back memories of the strict discipline Army children schools are known for.

The reunion’s WhatsApp group was abuzz with excitement as alumni shared photos and updates, sparking conversations about future reunions.

In addition to the fun, the event had a philanthropic side. Medical check-ups were provided, and former principal Mrs. Hannatu Iko gave a motivational talk, expressing pride in the success and accomplishments of her former students.

The 1987/1988 set holds a special place in the school’s legacy, marking the transition to the new 6-3-3-4 education system. Their graduation in 1988, which required an additional year of study, sets them apart in the school’s history. The class is known for its exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements.

A highlight of the reunion was the appointment of new executive members to lead the alumni association. The newly elected leadership includes Ademola Ojo as president, Florence Sadoh Nnamani as vice president, Bala Ahmed Yabagi as secretary, Abdulmalik Salihu as financial secretary, Rejoice Yakubu as treasurer, and Ojogbane Adegbe as Public Relations Officer.

The new leadership quickly formed a Welfare Committee, led by Dr. Shola Solomon, a Nigerian-Canadian member, with Patrick Agena as vice chairman and Selina Timayi as secretary. Other members of the committee include Mohammed Yahaya, Danjuma Nako, Igho Orobola, and Sunday Pius.

With renewed energy and a strong sense of community, the Government Army Day Secondary School alumni, Bida, look forward to deepening their bonds and supporting one another in the years ahead.