By Ibrahim Nurudeen
Kumbungu (N/R), Oct 23, GNA – The Kumbungu L/A Primary School Old Students’ Association, has marked the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of the school, celebrating its growth and achievements.
As part of the celebration, the Association organised a quiz competition and a football match for the pupils and students at the school where winners, including the best students in various subjects, were given awards.
Alhaji Naa Abu Iddrisu (II), Paramount Chief of Kumbungu Traditional Area, and Mr Abdullah Salifu, who are pioneers of the school, were also awarded at the event.
Alhaji Mohammed Haroun, former Northern Regional Director of Education, speaking during the celebrations at Kumbungu, called on the government to provide furniture, infrastructure and learning materials to schools and reduce over reliance on old students and philanthropists to play that role.
He urged the students and pupils to draw inspiration from the school’s pioneers and aspire for greater laurels.
Mr Yahaya Sulemana, Kumbungu District Director of Education said he was happy about the school’s growth from a small space to a school complex.
He said: “Kumbungu L/A Primary School is the mother of all schools within the district. This school has given birth to 90 KGs, 93 primary schools, a senior high school and three technical institutions in the district. Enrollment has increased from 17 pupils to over 33,000.”
He commended members of the Old Students’ Association for their efforts in promoting quality education through philanthropic work.
Mr Sulemana Yakubu, Chairman, Kumbungu L/A Primary School Old Students’ Association, reiterated the Association’s role in championing the school’s development, saying, it sought to rally past and current pupils for progress and unity in the area.
Mr Abdullah Salifu, a founding member of the Association and pioneer pupil of the school, shared memories of the school’s beginnings, saying, “We started with 17 pupils from Kumbungu and its catchment area at the District Court House.
“Our school uniform was a simple local smock, and subjects included English Language, Arithmetic, Hygiene, Nature study, History, Geography, Art, Story-telling and Singing.”
He added that “We were drawn from far and near and known by our village names rather than our surnames. Those who came from Kumbungu, had their house names attached to their names.”
GNA