Kano: Alumni of the former Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies (FAIS), Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Class of 2000—fondly known as the FAIS Millennium Graduates Association—joyfully reunited to celebrate their 25th anniversary, blending nostalgia with tributes to their distinguished lecturers.
FAIS was the university’s pioneering faculty, comprising the Arabic, Islamic Studies, History, Mass Communications, Nigerian Languages, and English and European Languages Departments.
The event began with a special prayer for peace and prosperity in the country, for their Alma mater, and for their deceased colleagues; a novelty football match; dinner; an award night; and the presentation of food items to the bereaved families in their respective states.
The Secretary-General of the association, Malam Abdulkarim Ibrahim, recalled that the journey began when the members gained admission into the university during the 1995/1996 and 1996/1997 academic sessions.
“Today, we see good health, abundant blessings, and signs of fulfilled lives all around us. We are grateful to the Almighty Allah,” he said.
He, however, said that based on the available information, the group had lost about 15 members, adding, “for whom we owe a solemn obligation of prayers.”
The Chairman of the association, Malam Muhammad Bashir Mai-Unguwa, prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive those who died among their teachers and the members.
“You taught us, and now, teaching our children, whatever we gave you, has already been given to you by Allah.
“We pray to Allah to reward all of you with Al-Jannah Firdaus and grant good health to those who are alive,” he prayed.
Mai-Unguwa stated that records showed that BUK graduates were demonstrating professionalism and hard work in their chosen careers, a result of their teachers’ commitment and guidance.
Also, the Chairman of the organising committee, who is also the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Mustapha Mohammed, thanked all those who contributed financially, and who came from other states to strengthen the brotherhood.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Mustapha Ahmad-Isa from English Language, said that the event coincided with the “golden jubilee” anniversary of the university established with the Departments of Arabic, Islamic Studies, History, and languages.
He revealed that he has never seen an organised forum of such elsewhere, especially as they remember their teachers and deceased colleagues while celebrating the 25-year anniversary.
On his part, Prof. Ibrahim Maibushra of the Islamic Studies Department, urged the members to continue to be united and support one another, adding, “because the best among people are those who bring benefits to them.
“Life is not about what you eat, what you wear, what you drive, or where you sleep. It is about what benefits you brought to humanity.”
In a vote of thanks, Mr Adamu Mohammed-Azare, an Assistant-Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), advised members to continue with the teamwork for their progress.
He also thanked their teachers for imparting knowledge to them and prayed to Allah to repose the souls of the dead ones and grant good health to those who are still alive.
The awardees were Prof. Mustapha Ahmad-Isa from English Language, Prof. Tahir Sayyid from Arabic, Prof. Ahmad Magaji and late Prof. Muazu Sani-Zaria from Nigerian Languages, and Prof. Abdurrahman Adam from Mass Communication.
Others were Prof. Dalha Waziri and Prof. Ibrahim Maibushra of the History and Islamic Studies Departments, respectively.
