Speaking on the program of activities, Okechukwu Egwu Nkama, President, Government Secondary School Afikpo Alumni Association (GSSAAA) stated that the two-days convention will feature stimulating conversations that will promote dialogue on the quality of secondary education in Sub-Sahara Africa, cause an aggregation of opinions on the role of alumni associations in national development, influence policy formulation and implementation towards the improvement of secondary education in Nigeria and ultimately determine a critical path for education sector as an important part of human capital development of the country.
The convention will be headlined on Day 1 by Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and former vice-presidential candidate of opposition party PDP, while Prof Dr Iheanacho Emeruwa will deliver the keynote address. Governor David Nweze Umahi (an alumnus) will also speak during the convention. The Day 2 will have Dr Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor and presidential candidate of Young Progressive Party (YPP) as guest speaker, with Sir Ifeanyi Eleje, national president, Government Secondary School Afikpo Old Boys Association (GSSAOBA) is billed to speak on the present state of affairs of the national body.
In his remarks, Franklyn Ginger-Eke, chairman, publicity and promotion subcommittee said, “we are proud to be hosting yet another of our annual gatherings, usually attended physically by old boys from different generations and from across Nigeria and the diaspora, the teaching staff, government officials in charge of secondary education, community leaders, the academia, and senior decision makers from Nigeria’s public and private sectors. However, the 2020 convention is unique and presents an opportunity for participants to have a virtually memorable experience. The event seeks to aggregate a refined vision for creative partnerships, in improving quality of secondary education in Nigeria, and adequately preparing young ones with requisite skills to meet development challenges of the 21 century”.
Government Secondary School Afikpo (GSSA), located in Ebonyi State, was established in 1953 by British colonial authority with Charles W. Low (an Australian) as its first Principal. The School was one of the best of the antebellum “leadership academies” of Nigeria until the war and its aftermath; and has to date, produced accomplished alumni/old boys in diverse walks of life. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, the current Governor of Ebonyi State is one of its many distinguished products.
Though established as an elite STEM (Science Tech, Engineering and Maths) school and reputed to be one of the best public secondary schools in Nigeria – where academics was highly celebrated, equal importance was also placed on character development; discipline, leadership and sense of duty/responsibility to the community. The school also had an Officer Cadet Corps that offered instructions in adventure training, camping and field drills; as well as participated actively in sports and extra-curricular activities, such as athletics, cricket, hockey, and football (soccer).
Over the past 10 years plus, GSSA Alumni / Old Boys across the globe had resolved to restore our beloved alma mater and to make her great again. To achieve this goal, we have cumulatively raised and spent over $500,000 towards a “Rebuild & Restore” agenda of reviving dilapidated physical structures – Main Class Room blocks, Examination Hall, Library and laboratories, Assembly Hall, School Hostels, Sports Pavilion, Motorized Water Boreholes, Sick Bay, ultra-modern Interactive Video Learning initiative, donation of books on relevant subjects, etc.
The Annual Conventions held in different parts of the world, and periodic home-coming to the alma mater are geared towards supporting efforts at recreating the rich history of conducive learning environment and facilities, as well as the high standards in academic pursuit; and to motivate the current generation of staff and students to return to these hallmarks of quality public education in Nigeria, which we all had the privilege of enjoying at Government Secondary School Afikpo. Apart from reminiscing on the rich history of dedicated teachers, good students, good results, and excellence in sports, we review progress on the restoration initiative and plan for more projects in the spirit of giving back to where the strong foundations for us to excel in life, were laid.
Typically, our conventions end with a rededication service. This is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the strong foundation of the school as anchored on 1 Peter 2:17 which enjoins us as citizens, to “Honour All Men, treating everyone with high regard, Love the Brotherhood, Fear God, Honour the King”.
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