Old friends, shared memories, and renewed purpose as Federal Government College Azare’s Class of ’94 reunites to inspire a new generation, Rebecca Caleb Maina, writes.
The morning sun fell gently over the gates of Federal Government College Azare (FGCA), but something unusual stirred in the air ,familiar laughter, warm embraces, and faces that once shared classrooms, dormitories, and dreams.
After 31 years apart, the Class of 1994 returned to their beloved alma mater, united under the theme “Greater Together”.
A journey back to where it all began
It wasn’t just another school reunion it was a homecoming of hearts.
From the assembly ground to the hostels, old students walked the paths of their teenage years, pausing at corners where memories once lived. For a moment, time seemed to fold, bringing the past and present into one heartbeat.
Welcoming the set, Principal of the college Dr. Bukar Burkarbe at an event held the dining hall ,expressed pride in the college’s legacy and the remarkable success of its alumni.
“You are the living testimony of what this school represents,” he said. “Your return reminds our students that greatness starts from discipline, and from believing in small beginnings.”
“It Took Love to Bring Us Here”
The 31st anniversary Planning Committee Chairman, Bappah Tata, described the reunion as a dream fulfilled.
“It took love, patience, and teamwork to make this happen,” he said. “We came together because FGC Azare shaped who we are and that bond is forever.”
Set Chairperson Chairman Nuhu Mailafiya delivered a heartfelt address that drew both smiles and memories
“FGC Azare wasn’t just a school; it was a foundation that built our values and our courage to dream,” he said. “We return not only to remember but to give back to inspire, to support, and to build legacies that will outlive us.”
Inspiring the next generation
The highlight of the day came during the Motivational Session, led by Danjuma Garba and Kabati Tokara, both members of the ’94 Set.
They spoke passionately about dreaming big, leadership, and the power of character.
“When we were students here, we dreamed of who we wanted to become doctors, engineers, lawyers leaders,” said Garba. “Dreams only come true when you’re ready to work hard, stay disciplined, and lead with integrity.”
Tokara urged students to believe in themselves and develop leadership skills early.“Leadership starts from how you treat others, how you take responsibility, and how you rise after failure,” she said. “If we could do it, so can you.”
In a closing remark, Stephen Ajayi called for continued unity, support, and collaboration among members.
He also urged the students of Federal Government College Azare to study hard, stay focused, and make the most of the opportunities before them.
The students had earlier shared their aspirations to become doctors, journalists,lawyers, and innovatorseach one a reflection of the day’s inspiration.
Walking through yesterday
Later, the old students took a nostalgic tour of the school, retracing the steps of their youth through familiar grounds now touched by time and transformation.
As they walked, they were struck by how much had changed and how much remained the same.
There was joy and pride in seeing visible development across the college, the dining hall, once left uncompleted when they graduated in 1994, now fully completed and in use;the perimeter wall fence, now standing tall and secure;the administrative block, beautifully renovated; and the students’ hostels, improved and better structured than ever before.
They also saw the chapel under construction, now nearing 90 percent completion a meaningful sight, as Christian services were held in either the dining hall or the classrooms.
Nearby, the sick bay stood well-equipped and functional, a clear sign of renewed attention to students’ welfare.
However, not every sight brought smiles.
When the group approached the sports field, a wave of silence fell.
The once vibrant ground that hosted inter-house competitions, track races, basketball volleyball and football matches the very field that echoed with cheers, sweat, and youthful energy had changed.
Now, grasses covered the once-clear tracks and football pitch, hiding the memories of those glorious sporting days that once united the entire school.
“This field taught us teamwork and built friendships,We hope to see it alive again soon. Said Ishag Kwargana the 94 set Assistant Headboy.
The tour became more than a walk through the College it was a reflection of what had been lost, what had been built, and what still calls for renewal.
A legacy renewed
The grand finale of the reunion was a dinner filled with laughter, reflections, and rekindled bonds. Old classmates, now leaders, parents, and professionals, gathered under the same spirit that once united them in their youth.
As the evening breeze whispered through the hall, the reunion banner waved once more ,:
“Greater Together”
We Came for Knowledge, We Left with Lifelong Friendships. 31 Years Later, We’re Back! Building Legacies.”
It was more than a slogan. It was a testament to time, friendship, and growth. Three decades later, the FGCA ’94 Set stands stronger proof that they are, indeed, greater together.
Within these 31 years, Set ’94 had made remarkable contributions to their alma mater replacing the old school gate that had stood for over two decades and renovating a classroom block to create a more conducive learning environment.
