Alumni of the former Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies (FAIS), Bayero University, Kano (BUK), classes of 2000 popularly called “FAIS Millennium Graduates Association,” were excited as they reunited to celebrate their 25-year anniversary.

FAIS was the pioneer faculty of the university which comprised of 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, their alma mater, deceased colleagues, novelty football match, dinner and award night, and presentation of food items to the bereavered families in their respective states.

The Secretary-General of the association, Abdulkarim Ibrahim, recalled that the journey began when the members gained admission into the university during the 1995/1996 and 1996/1997 academic sessions.

Mr Ibrahim stated, “Today, we see good health, abundant blessings, and signs of fulfilled lives all around us. We are grateful to the Almighty Allah.”

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, Muhammad Bashir Mai-Unguwa, prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive those who died among their teachers and the members.

He stated, “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.”

Mr Mai-Unguwa stated that records had shown that graduates of BUK were exhibiting professionalism and hard work in their chosen career as a result of their teachers’ commitment and guidance.

Also, the Chairman of the organising committee, who is also the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor 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 Departments of Arabic, Islamic Studies, history and languages.

He stated that he has never seen an organised forum of such elsewhere, especially as they remember their teachers and deceased colleagues while celebrating the 25-years anniversary.

On his part, Prof. Ibrahim Maibushra of 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 ate, what wear, what you drive or where you sleep. It is about what benefits did you bring to the humanity.”

In a vote of thanks, an Assistant-Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Adamu Mohammed-Azare, advised members to continue with the team work for their progress.

He also thanked their teachers for imparting knowledge to them and prayed to the Allah to repose 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, Arabic, Prof. Ahmad Magaji and the late Prof. Muazu Sani-Zaria, Nigerian Languages, and Prof. Abdurrahman Adam, Mass Communication Departments.

Others were Prof. Dalha Waziri and Prof. Ibrahim Maibushra of History and Islamic Studies Departments, respectively.

(NAN)