Century-old Nagarta College, Sokoto, holds Speech and Prize Giving-Day after 30 years hiatus 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Nagarta College, Sokoto, has held its first Speech and Prize-Giving Day ceremony in over three decades, marking a significant milestone in the history of the institution which was established in 1905.
The event, held in 2026, also featured the launch of the maiden edition of the Nagarta Magazine.
Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that the Premier College in Northern Nigeria held its last Speech and Prize-Giving Day Ceremony in 1993.
The College was the Alma mater of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, late President Shehu Shagari, and the two immediate late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido and Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.
Delivering his welcome address, the Principal of the College, Malam Haliru Balarabe, described the ceremony as an opportunity to celebrate excellence, reward hard work, and appreciate the progress recorded by the College during the academic year.
He noted that it was the first Speech and Prize-Giving Day organised by the College in more than 30 years and highlighted the outstanding achievements of students in academics and sports.
According to him, students of the College won several awards in quiz, parliamentary debate, and debate competitions.
They also excelled in sports, winning a trophy and 18 medals at the Metropolitan Public Schools Football Competition organised by the SB Foundation in honour of the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa.
The Principal further announced that the College had, for the first time, introduced a Tahfiz Programme to enable students to memorise and study the Holy Qur’an alongside their formal education.
He said the initiative was aimed at producing disciplined, morally upright, and academically sound graduates.
He expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmad Aliyu, for the comprehensive renovation of the College, provision of drugs for the school clinic, and supply of laboratory chemicals and equipment, which he said had significantly enhanced teaching and learning.
He also commended the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Professor Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa, and the Nagarta College Old Boys Association* for their continued support.
As part of the key highlights of the epochal event, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Muhammad Bello Goronyo, an alumnus of the College, was honoured with the prestigious “Nagarta College Ambassador (NCA) Award of Excellence”, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his alma mater.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Barrister Goronyo described Nagarta College as a great institution that has nurtured distinguished sons and daughters making remarkable contributions within and outside Nigeria.
He highlighted the developmental projects executed by Gov. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto across the state and commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for improving the nation’s economy and social development.
In his remarks as Chief Host, Professor Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for the projects executed at Nagarta College and across the state.
He also praised the management and staff for their dedication to educational excellence.
Other highlights of the event included the official launch of the 2026 Nagarta Magazine, presentation of Awards of Excellence to outstanding students, distinguished alumni, and deserving staff, exhibition of a biogas cooking project by students, and goodwill messages by the Principal and representatives of various alumni chapters.
Remarks were also delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Almustapha Sidi Yahaya.
During the launch of the magazine, Barrister Goronyo donated ₦2 million on behalf of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, ₦2 million personally, and another ₦2 million on behalf of the Class of ’86 Alumni Association.
The Chief Launcher, Alhaji Murtala Abdulkadir Dan-Iya, donated ₦2 million.
The Sokoto State Ministry of Science and Technology and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs each donated ₦1 million in support of the publication.
Barrister Goronyo also pledged to sponsor the education of Al’amin Aliyu, a student who recited a poem at the event, up to university level or any other higher institution.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of prizes and awards to deserving recipients.
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