From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Nagarta College, Sokoto, has held its maiden Speech and Prize-Giving Day in more than three decades, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history.
The 2026 event also featured the launch of the maiden edition of the Nagarta Magazine.
Established in 1905, Nagarta College, regarded as the premier college in Northern Nigeria, last held its Speech and Prize-Giving Day in 1993.
The college is the alma mater of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto; former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari; and two late Sultans 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 recognise the progress recorded by the institution during the academic year.
He noted that it was the first Speech and Prize-Giving Day organised by the college in over 30 years.
Malam Haliru highlighted the outstanding achievements of students in academics and sports, noting that they won several awards in quiz, parliamentary debate, and debating competitions.
He added that the students also excelled in sports, winning one trophy and 18 medals at the Metropolitan Public Schools Football Competition organised by the SB Foundation in honour of the Minister of Defence, retired General 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.
According to him, the initiative is 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, the provision of drugs for the school clinic, and the supply of laboratory chemicals and equipment, which he said had significantly improved 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 one of the highlights of the 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 the Special Guest of Honour, Barrister Goronyo described Nagarta College as a great institution that has produced distinguished men and women making remarkable contributions within and outside Nigeria.
He highlighted the developmental projects executed by Governor Ahmad Aliyu across Sokoto State and commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting economic growth 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 of the college for their commitment 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, an exhibition of a biogas cooking project by students, and goodwill messages from the Principal and representatives of various alumni chapters.
Remarks were also delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Almustapha Sidi Yahaya.
During the magazine launch, Barrister Goronyo donated N2 million on behalf of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, N2 million personally, and another N2 million on behalf of the Class of ’86 Alumni Association.
The Chief Launcher, Alhaji Murtala Abdulkadir Dan-Iya, donated N2 million, while the Sokoto State Ministry of Science and Technology and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs each contributed N1 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 concluded with the presentation of prizes and awards to deserving students, staff, and other recipients.