Musa Na Alllah, Sokoto
The Federal Government College (FGC), Sokoto, marked its 60th anniversary on Saturday with a grand celebration that underscored its enduring legacy as a crucible for national unity, leadership, and academic excellence.
Established in 1966 as a brainchild of the First Republic and implemented under the administration of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, FGC Sokoto has, over six decades, remained a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to quality education and integration across ethnic, religious and regional lines.
The diamond jubilee celebration drew a distinguished assembly of alumni, former staff and stakeholders from across the country, reflecting the school’s wide national footprint and lasting influence on Nigeria’s public life.
Among the prominent personalities in attendance were former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); former ministers; professors; captains of industry; traditional rulers; permanent secretaries; senior public servants and politicians from different parts of the federation.
Speaking at the event, speakers paid glowing tribute to the founding vision of the Federal Government Colleges, popularly known as Unity Schools, describing FGC Sokoto as a model institution that has consistently produced disciplined, patriotic and service oriented citizens.
They noted that the college’s establishment shortly after independence was a deliberate effort to foster mutual understanding among young Nigerians and to build a future leadership anchored on merit, tolerance and shared national values.
Several alumni recounted how their formative years at FGC Sokoto shaped their worldviews, forged lifelong friendships across cultural divides and prepared them for leadership roles in government, business, academia and the military.
The anniversary celebration featured goodwill messages, awards to distinguished alumni and retired staff, cultural displays and a reunion session that rekindled memories of shared classrooms, hostels and sporting fields.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), described the college as “a proud testament to what Nigeria can achieve when vision, discipline and diversity are brought together under a common purpose.”
Former Governor Donald Duke also lauded the school for sustaining high standards over the years, urging current students to uphold the values of excellence, integrity and national service that define the FGC tradition.
As FGC Sokoto clocks 60 years, participants called for renewed investment in infrastructure, staff development and curriculum innovation to ensure the institution remains competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing global education landscape.
The celebration concluded with a collective resolve by the old boys and girls to strengthen alumni engagement and support the school in preserving its rich heritage while preparing future generations for leadership in a united Nigeria.
