In a remarkable display of unity and commitment to girl-child education, over 300 former students of the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Bida gathered to celebrate their alma mater’s 50th anniversary. The week-long celebration, organised by the Old Girls’ Association, brought together distinguished personalities and former students from across Nigeria and beyond, showcasing five decades of educational excellence.
The golden jubilee celebration, graced by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and wife of the Niger State governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, served as a platform to reinforce the importance of supporting girl-child education and maintaining the institution’s legacy of excellence.
Mrs. Hilda Nkor, the Global President of the Association, expressed her delight at the impressive turnout and outlined the association’s vision for the future.
“Here’s to another 50 years of creating magic, memories and milestones,” she declared, emphasising the collective responsibility of alumnae, students, staff and supporters in nurturing the institution’s growth.The celebration highlighted significant achievements, including the successful renovation of school structures and the establishment of a state-of-the-art library facility.
Mrs. Vivian Abii, the school’s first Head Girl, reflected on how the institution has shaped thousands of girls into women of substance across various fields.
Wife of Niger State governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, an alumna herself, shared personal insights about the institution’s impact on her family, applauded the group for the initiative revealed, saying that the present government led by her Husband is passionate about girl child education.
“This institution has profoundly shaped the lives of countless women who have passed through its gates, equipping them to excel academically and become leaders across various fields in Nigeria and beyond—my four sisters included,” she said. “I reaffirm the commitment of my husband, His Excellency Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, to ensure that every girl, regardless of her background, has access to quality education to reach her full potential.
“My office remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower the girl-child to thrive.”
The traditional institution’s support was reinforced by the Etsu Nupe, who pledged continued commitment to educational development.
“We thank everyone who has contributed in one way or the other to the development of girl child education, particularly to the Federal Government Girls’ College Bida,” Alhaji Yahaya stated.
The school’s current Director Principal, Mrs. Omolola Abimbola Ilegbemi, expressed gratitude for the alumni’s support while encouraging further contributions to maintain the college’s standards of excellence.
The celebration featured several milestone projects, including the commissioning of a multi-million naira digital laboratory and the renovation of the school’s fence. The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing key contributors to the institution’s growth, the launch of the school magazine and the cutting of the anniversary cake.As FGGC Bida marks this significant milestone, the institution stands as a testament to the power of girl-child education and the impact of sustained community support.