By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, has expressed concern over what he described as the unpatriotic attitude of many alumni of the institution toward their alma-mater.
Professor Dandago made the remarks during the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of GATCOSA, held on Sunday at the premises of Government Arabic Teachers College (GATC), Gwale, Kano.
He observed that a significant number of former students of the college are reluctant to be identified with the institution, despite its role in shaping their careers. To illustrate his point, Professor Dandago recalled that he obtained his Grade II (GR II) Certificate from GATC in 1984 and went on to become a Chartered Accountant and a Professor of Accountancy and Taxation at Bayero University, Kano.
The GATCOSA President lamented that despite invitations extended to several prominent alumni of the college, none attended the AGM nor sent apologies, a situation he described as discouraging.
In his remarks, a 1971 graduate of the college and retired judge, Justice Nuhu Yahaya Galadanchi, also decried the neglect of the institution by its old students. He expressed regret that many alumni have abandoned the college and no longer associate with it through donations or participation in alumni activities.
Justice Galadanchi recalled his efforts to mobilize old students of the college during his tenure as Principal of GATC Gwale about forty years ago. He stressed the urgent need for alumni to come to the aid of the institution and commended the current leadership of GATCOSA for the successful organization of the AGM.
Also speaking at the event, the Co-Chairperson of the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE), Dr. Auwalu Halilu, emphasized the importance of alumni giving back to their alma mater. He highlighted the critical role old students’ associations play in strengthening the education sector.
According to him, active alumni engagement through mentorship, advocacy, and resource support remains one of the strongest pillars for advancing education. He added that when former students support their schools, they inspire younger generations and help nurture a culture of responsibility, excellence, and lifelong commitment to education.
Government Arabic Teachers College, Gwale, has produced several prominent personalities across different sectors, including the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan; the Commander-General of Hisbah, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa; Professor Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo; the late Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam; Sammanin Fatihu; and Alin Dubai, among others.
Highlights of the AGM included the unveiling of the association’s new constitution, as well as the introduction of membership cards and car stickers.
