By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Members of the Bauchi College of Arts and Science (BACAS) Old Students Association on Saturday converged at the Prof. A. O. Adekola Lecture Theatre, NLTA Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yelwa Campus for their reunion meeting, marking 50 years Golden Jubilee Celebration.
The reunion brought together 1976 to 1989 members of the Alumni from within and outside Bauchi state to reconnect, reminisce, and discuss ways to strengthen and elevate the association as well as reunite with former classmates, seniors, and juniors, sharing fond memories of their time at Bauchi College of Arts and Science (BACAS).
Speaking on the golden jubilee, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Daudu Kaltungo, described the final attendance numbers as both fair and deeply impressive given prevailing external pressures.
Alhaji Kaltungo who holds the traditional title of Katukan Kaltungo and a retired Permanent Secretary in Gombe State explained that the association was specifically designed to act as a bridge for students who attended the institution from its inception up until its eventual closure.
He acknowledged that a mix of modern economic hardships, age-related difficulties, health issues, and rigid work schedules had prevented several original alumni from making the journey.
However, he remained optimistic that regional mobilization would grow ahead of the scheduled gala night and anniversary dinner.
Kaltungo said the reunion holds enormous psychological importance beyond physical benefits, urging members to take the message to their communities to mobilise others, adding that the association has lined up several programmes aimed at giving back to society, including health visitations and tree planting, and plans to deepen collaboration with institutions such as ATBU.
Also speaking at the event, a member of the Bauchi College of Arts and Science (BACAS) Alumni, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alka recalled how a seemingly minor twist of fate in 1976 completely transformed his life, diverting him from a career in nursing toward becoming a distinguished academic and leader.
Recounting his experience from 50 years ago, Prof. Alkali explained that under the defunct North-Eastern Government, both the School of Nursing and BACAS had advertised for admissions simultaneously, prompting him to apply to both institutions.
He said that chaos erupted during his nursing interview when officials began segregating applicants based on file numbers, threatening to turn away those without them.
“I started rebelling. I said you should allow everybody to do the interview,” he recalled, adding that while he was arguing, someone touched him from behind and advised him to go for his interview at BACAS instead.
“That was the hand of God. Somebody touched me at the back and said, why are you fighting with this man? Why don’t you go and do your interview in BACAS? From then on, I turned back and asked for the way to BACAS,” he said.
Prof. Alkali praised BACAS as a liberator noting that the institution opened doors for countless young men and women of his generation.
He emphasized that the college served as a launchpad for students who eventually rose to prestigious heights as directors, permanent secretaries, commissioners, and prominent leaders across various sectors.