Nagarta College Revives Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony After 33 Years
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Nagarta College, Sokoto, has revived its annual Speech and Prize Giving Day after more than three decades, marking a historic moment for one of Northern Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious secondary schools.
The ceremony, held in 2026, was the first of its kind since 1993 and also featured the unveiling of the maiden edition of the Nagarta Magazine.
Established in 1905, Nagarta College has produced some of Nigeria’s most prominent leaders, including the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto; former President Shehu Shagari; and former Sultans of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido and Ibrahim Dasuki.
Speaking at the event, the Principal, Malam Haliru Balarabe, described the occasion as a celebration of excellence, dedication, and the remarkable progress the institution has recorded. He said the ceremony was intended to recognise students, staff, and alumni whose contributions have sustained the college’s tradition of excellence.
He highlighted the school’s achievements in academics and extracurricular activities, noting that students won several awards in quizzes, parliamentary debates, and debate competitions. The college also secured a trophy and 18 medals at the Metropolitan Public Schools Football Competition organised by the SB Foundation in honour of the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa.
The principal also announced the introduction of a Tahfiz programme, aimed at enabling students to combine Qur’anic memorisation with conventional education in order to produce graduates who are academically excellent and morally grounded.
He commended the Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmad Aliyu for renovating the college, supplying drugs to the school clinic, and providing laboratory equipment and chemicals, saying the interventions had significantly improved teaching and learning.
Malam Haliru also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof. Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa, and the Nagarta College Old Boys Association for their continued support.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Nagarta College Ambassador (NCA Award of Excellence on the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Muhammad Bello Goronyo, in recognition of his outstanding support for the institution.
In his remarks, Goronyo, an alumnus of the college, described Nagarta College as a breeding ground for leaders and professionals who have made significant contributions to national development. He also praised the developmental strides of Governor Ahmad Aliyu and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof. Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa, who served as Chief Host, applauded the state government’s investments in education and commended the school management for sustaining high academic standards.
The event also featured the launch of the 2026 Nagarta Magazine, presentation of awards to outstanding students, staff and distinguished alumni, exhibition of a student-built biogas cooking project, and goodwill messages from alumni associations and education stakeholders.
During the magazine launch, Barrister Goronyo announced donations of 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 contributed N1 million each.
Goronyo also pledged to sponsor the education of Al amin Aliyu, a student who impressed guests with a poem, through university or any higher institution of his choice.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of prizes and awards to deserving students, staff, and alumni, bringing to a close a landmark event that reaffirmed Nagarta College’s enduring legacy of academic excellence.
