The Gombe State University Alumni Association has a rich history, dating back to its founding on June 11, 2010. The association has achieved significant milestones, including hosting the 2018 CAANU 1st Quarter Meeting and organising successful elections and inaugurations. However, despite these accomplishments, the association faces challenges that require urgent attention.
In my opinion, one of the major challenges facing the association is the lack of transparency and accountability in its financial reporting. With over 17,000 members, it is unacceptable that the association is led by a small circle of less than 200 “financially responsible” members. This lack of inclusivity and transparency is a recipe for disaster and undermines the trust of the membership.
The association’s constitution, which was drafted by the pioneer executives, including Usman Isah Ya’u (President), Adamu Hussaini (Secretary-General), Adam Manga (Financial Secretary), Abubakar Yusuf (Treasurer), and Ibrahim Jibrin (PRO), needs to be reviewed to ensure that it is inclusive and transparent. The constitution should provide for greater accountability and transparency in the association’s financial reporting.
Furthermore, the association’s inability to engage alumni in giving back to the university is a missed opportunity. Many alumni are eager to contribute to the development of their alma mater, but the association’s lack of initiative and creativity in mobilizing resources has hindered this effort. In my opinion, the association should establish a committee to explore ways of engaging alumni in giving back to the university.
In addition, the association’s failure to maintain contact with alumni outside of the immediate university environment is a significant challenge. Many alumni have lost touch with the association and the university, and this has resulted in a loss of valuable networks and resources. The association should establish a database of all alumni and regularly communicate with them through newsletters, social media, and other means.
The association has a functional secretariat, which is stocked with all the necessary facilities for effective running of the association. The secretariat is managed by Yakubu Ahmed, the Alumni Administrative Secretary, and Hassan Adamu, the Clerical Assistant. Mal. Aishatu H. Sabo provides cleaning services and ensures that the secretariat is well-kept. The association also has a vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, which is used for secretariat services.
The association has social media platforms, including gsualumni009@yahoo.com, alumni@gsu.edu.ng, WhatsApp (GSU Alumni Association), and Facebook Page, which provide veritable platforms for continuous interaction and exchange of ideas on the wellbeing of the association and the university.
The association has corporate accounts with Jaiz Bank and Stanbic IBTC Bank, where alumni funds are kept. Funds generated through registration are used for the running of the association and for developmental projects, such as the purchase and donation of books, podiums, wall clocks, and signboards with the mission and vision statement of the university.
In my opinion, the association’s leadership has made significant progress in promoting the interests of the university and its alumni. However, there is still much work to be done to address the challenges facing the association. The leadership must take bold steps to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the association’s financial reporting and decision-making processes.
The association’s leadership has been involved in various activities, including attending the naming and wedding ceremonies of members, paying condolence visits to members, stakeholders, and friends of the university who have lost loved ones, and facilitating the process of writing reference and introductory letters by the Vice-Chancellor (Prof. Umar Ibrahim) and former Vice-Chancellor (Late Prof. Abdullahi Mahdi) to countless members and other individuals seeking employment or admission in Nigeria and abroad.
The association has also promoted social programs, such as friendly football matches played between alumni members in the service of the university and members outside the university. These programs have helped to foster unity and togetherness among members.
In conclusion, the Gombe State University Alumni Association has made significant progress since its inception. However, the association faces challenges that require urgent attention. The leadership must take bold steps to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the association’s financial reporting and decision-making processes. The association must also establish a committee to explore ways of engaging alumni in giving back to the university and establish a database of all alumni to regularly communicate with them. By addressing these challenges, the association can continue to promote the interests of the university and its alumni.
Thanks for your understanding!
Khalifa Umar Bappah
07065590085
khalifaumarb@gmail.com
