The Government College Makurdi Old Boys Association (MOBA) Plateau Chapter held its annual meeting and convention on June 22 at De J’s Garden, Jos, drawing a significant turnout of alumni.
In his spirited welcome address, Nde Noel Simon Tubi, fsi, expressed deep appreciation for the members’ commitment to sustaining their long-standing brotherhood.
Reflecting on the challenges faced over the years, Tubi highlighted how the association adapted by reducing the frequency of meetings due to low attendance, ensuring that the few dedicated members were not overstretched.
Commending the unwavering support from senior members and others who made facilities available for MOBA activities, Tubi highlighted the collective spirit that has kept the association vibrant.
He called on members to continue supporting one another, particularly those facing health challenges, and emphasized the need for younger members to join and strengthen the association.
Tubi reiterated the significance of unity and mutual aid in keeping the MOBA legacy alive, inviting proposals for creating an anthem to further solidify their identity.
Furthermore, Tubi expressed his happiness with the event’s turnout, despite some members being absent due to personal bereavements, praising the gathering as a successful and engaging reunion.
Reflecting on the educational standards of the past, Tubi lamented the decline in practical, hands-on learning experiences that were once integral to their schooling. He recalled how students were exposed to a broad curriculum, including science, technology, commerce, and various workshops, which provided a complete educational package.
Tubi emphasized the need for the current administration to revisit and reinvest in such comprehensive educational programs. He argued that equipping young people with practical skills is crucial for their self-reliance and professional development, contrasting the conducive environments in developed countries where dropping out of formal education can still lead to success.
Tubi’s comments underscored a call for a balanced approach to education that integrates both academic and vocational training to better prepare students for real-world challenge.
Honorable Ambassador Dan-Philip Hirkop, the National Vice President of the Makurdi Old Boys Association (MOBA) and former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Plateau State, expressed his enthusiasm about the recent MOBA reunion.
Reflecting on the significance of the gathering, Amb. Hirkop noted the emotional reconnection with old friends, including the head boy and his deputy from 1977, whom he had not seen since their school days. He emphasized the reunion as a joyful occasion, underscoring the importance of these events in maintaining the strong bonds and shared experiences among the alumni.
Amb. Hirkop also encouraged MOBA members to take the association seriously, emphasising its importance in promoting friendship and mutual support. He proudly acknowledged the historical excellence of Government College Makurdi, particularly its focus on comprehensive education that included agricultural, technological, and vocational training.
Amb. Hirkop advocated for a return to this holistic educational model, suggesting that an increased emphasis on vocational training over mere paper qualifications would better address the current educational challenges in Nigeria, ensuring students are better prepared for practical, real-world skills.
Engr. Philip K. Gonap, former Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP) and now a private farmer and consultant, shared his reflections on the renewal of the MOBA reunion project.
Engr. Gonap, recounted how he and his peers were among the first to attend the institution in 1972. The reunion provided a cherished opportunity to reconnect with long-standing friends and reminisce about the past, bringing him great happiness.
Gonap emphasized the importance of sustaining the high standards of education at Government College Makurdi, which he described as exemplary. He advocated for continuing the school’s tradition of offering an exchange program to extend these educational benefits to current students.
Gonap underscored the value of maintaining a strong alumni presence and engagement to ensure the institution’s enduring quality and relevance, pointing out the significant generational gap now evident among reunion attendees.
Mr. Alhassan Barde, the State and National Director of Socials for MOBA, expressed his delight at the reunion, which allowed him to reconnect with long-lost classmates and friends. He described the event as uplifting and engaging, providing a welcome respite from daily concerns.
Barde emphasized the importance of commitment and resource pooling among members to ensure the continuity and future success of the association, particularly for the benefit of younger generations.
During the MOBA reunion, Mr. Joe K. Goro emphasized the importance of fostering ongoing connections among alumni. Goro emphasized the importance of informal gatherings and reunions for strengthening bonds and rejuvenating relationships, emphasizing the need for cherished family members.
Goro also shared a personal anecdote from his visit to Maraban Shimok, Taraba, where he was warmly received by the family of his late schoolmates, demonstrating the enduring nature of their connections.
This experience underscored his belief that such bonds could provide support and a sense of belonging, even in unfamiliar settings. Goro concluded by calling on all members to prioritize regular meetings, whether individually or as a group, to keep their community vibrant and alive.
