Ibrahim Suleiman
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, says his administration has allocated 25 per cent of the state’s budget to education over the past three budget cycles as part of efforts to transform the sector.
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The Governor 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 the Commissioner for Education, Professor Sani Sambo, Governor Sani said the administration had sustained the renovation of schools and upgrading of educational infrastructure across the state.
He 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.
The Governor also said the state 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, the Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, represented by Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Turaki Guru, described the AGM as an opportunity for members of the Barewa family to reconnect with old friends, colleagues and distinguished alumni.
Gowon recalled his long-standing relationship with Barewa College and expressed pride in the achievements of its old students.
He noted that the institution had produced distinguished Nigerians who had made significant contributions to the development of the country.
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The former Head of State said 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 the values and preserve the legacy of the institution for future generations.
Also speaking, the National President of 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 meaningfully to national development.
Kazir said the AGM provided an important platform to render stewardship, review the association’s financial and operational performance, assess achievements and chart a strategic direction for the future.
He said the current leadership had made progress in improving communication among class chapters and state branches, strengthening administrative structures and promoting greater inclusivity.
According to him, the association had also worked to bridge the gap between older and younger members while improving financial transparency and institutional governance despite administrative and resource challenges.
The BOBA president disclosed that preparations were underway for the association’s biennial lecture and award ceremony scheduled for November 2026.
He urged members to actively participate in deliberations on the association’s future initiatives, particularly efforts to strengthen its mentorship programme, support the infrastructure needs of Barewa College and improve welfare services for members.
Kazir expressed appreciation to the National Executive Committee, state branches, chapters, patrons, Board of Trustees and members for their sacrifices, counsel and financial contributions.
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He urged members to conduct their deliberations in line with the values of integrity, service, loyalty and excellence instilled at Barewa College.
The 2025 AGM was attended by representatives of the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Yawuri and other distinguished members of the Barewa Old Boys Association.