Federal Staff School Birnin-Kebbi celebrates 20th anniversary with awards, prizes

The Federal Staff School Birnin-Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, at the weekend celebrated its 20th anniversary of its Founder’s Day amidst speeches, prize giving, and awards. 

The celebration, at Gesse II, was themed: “Twenty Years of Excellence: Leadership, Character Building and Skills Development.”

It marked two decades of existence doubled with conferment of honours on notable national and state leaders.

Delivering his welcome remarks, Head of Federal Establishments in Kebbi State, Nasiru Hussaini, described the milestone as a moment for reflection and renewed commitment. 

Hussaini said: “I welcome you all to Federal Staff School, Gesse II, on this historic occasion of our 20th Anniversary Celebration with joy and deep gratitude.

“Twenty years represents two decades of steady progress, meaningful impact, and service to humanity. 

“We are here today not just to celebrate, but to look back on our journey and to reaffirm the values that have positioned this school as a model institution.”

He said further that the anniversary theme mirrors the institution’s trajectory since inception in two decades.

He said: “This school has stood as a citadel of academic excellence.

“It has moulded pupils into leaders of character.

“It has also prioritised skills development to equip learners for life beyond the classroom and for the demands of the future.”

Hussaini cited the launch of the Skills Acquisition Programme as a major achievement, adding: “A landmark initiative in recent years is our Skills Acquisition Programme designed to provide our pupils with hands on income generating skills that will make them self-reliant.”

He said the purpose of the gathering was three folds: to review past achievements, recognise outstanding pupils and staff, and honour leaders who have contributed to national development.

He acknowledged the role of successive Kebbi State administrations in the growth of the school, adding: “We are deeply grateful to Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero, who happened to be a pioneer benefactor of this school, who, as governor in 2005, donated the land and two classroom blocks that enabled the school to commence learning activities.”

He also appreciated Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, for facilitating a solar-powered borehole for the school and the host community, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kebbi State Branch, for supporting the construction of additional classrooms.

In his vote of thanks, the Principal, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar Yalli, reiterated the school’s resolve to provide affordable education without compromising standards. 

Yalli said: “With gratitude to Almighty Allah, we welcome you to this landmark event marking 20 years of Federal Staff School, Gesse II.

“For 20 years, we have remained faithful to our founding mission of delivering quality and affordable education.”

In his vote of thanks, he reiterated the school’s resolve to provide affordable education without compromising standards. 

He said: “With gratitude to Almighty Allah, we welcome you to this landmark event marking 20 years of Federal Staff School, Gesse II.

“For 20 years, we have remained faithful to our founding mission of delivering quality and affordable education.

“Despite maintaining high academic and infrastructural standards, we remain the most affordable among private schools in the state. 

“This is our way of ensuring that cost does not bar any child from accessing quality education.”

Looking ahead, the principal said the school would expand its focus areas. 

Yalli said: “As we enter the next 20 years, we will consolidate our Skills Acquisition Programme, upgrade ICT and e-learning facilities, and strengthen collaboration with federal agencies for mentorship and career guidance.”

Fifteen distinguished personalities were honoured for their contributions to education and public.