The Bauchi College of Arts and Science Old Students Association recently converged at the Prof. A. O. Adekola Lecture Theatre, NLTA Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yelwa Campus, for their reunion meeting. This gathering marked 50 years since the institution's inception. The event brought together alumni from 1976 to 1989 from within and outside Bauchi state. They came to reconnect, reminisce, and discuss ways to strengthen and elevate the association.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Daudu Kaltungo, described the attendance numbers as fair and deeply impressive despite external pressures. Kaltungo, a retired Permanent Secretary in Gombe State, noted that the association aimed to act as a bridge for students who attended the institution from its inception until its closure. He acknowledged that modern economic hardships, age-related difficulties, health issues, and work schedules prevented several original alumni from attending.
Alhaji Kaltungo expressed optimism that regional mobilization would grow ahead of the scheduled gala night and anniversary dinner. He emphasized that the reunion holds enormous psychological importance beyond physical benefits. Kaltungo urged members to take the message to their communities to mobilize others. The association has lined up several programs aimed at giving back to society, including health visitations and tree planting.
Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alka, a member of the BACAS Alumni, shared his experience from 50 years ago. He recalled how a minor twist of fate in 1976 transformed his life, diverting him from a career in nursing to becoming a distinguished academic and leader. Prof. Alka explained that under the defunct North-Eastern Government, both the School of Nursing and BACAS had advertised for admissions simultaneously.
Prof. Alka recounted that chaos erupted during his nursing interview when officials began segregating applicants based on file numbers. He started rebelling, arguing that everyone should be allowed to do the interview. Someone then advised him to go for his interview at BACAS instead, which he described as the "hand of God." This event changed the course of his life.
Prof. Alka praised BACAS as a liberator, noting that the institution opened doors for countless young men and women of his generation. He emphasized that the college served as a launchpad for students who eventually rose to prestigious heights as directors, permanent secretaries, commissioners, and prominent leaders across various sectors.
The BACAS Alumni Association plans to deepen collaboration with institutions such as ATBU. The reunion provided a platform for alumni to reconnect with former classmates, seniors, and juniors, sharing fond memories of their time at BACAS. The association aims to continue giving back to society through various programs.
Key points
- The BACAS Alumni Association celebrated its 50-year golden jubilee, bringing together members from 1976 to 1989.
- The reunion aimed to reconnect alumni, reminisce, and discuss ways to strengthen the association.
- Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alka shared his personal experience of how BACAS changed his life's course.
