Mubi One Primary School Marks Historic Centenary: A Century of Shaping Nigeria’s Leaders

By Tgnews Reporter

In a vibrant celebration blending nostalgia, reflection, and generosity, alumni, dignitaries, and community members gathered on January 5, 2026, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mubi One Primary School in Lokuwa Ward, Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State. Established on January 4, 1926, the institution—often hailed as a cradle of excellence—has produced generations of prominent Nigerians across academia, law, politics, traditional leadership, and security.

The event, chaired by Justice Abdul Aziz Waziri Hassan, Justice of the Court of Appeal (JCA), drew distinguished guests including a representative of HRH Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu, the Emir of Mubi; Chief Launcher Alhaji Abdulrahman Buba Kwaccham; Guest Speaker Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Sajoh (former Commissioner of Information); Chairman of the Mubi One Old Boys Association Board of Trustees, Alhaji Aminu Mohammed Gwoza; Education Secretary Alhaji Ahmed Modibbo Abbas; former Mubi LGA Chairman Mohammed Sadiq; and Retired DIG Abubakar Yahya, among other notable figures.

The ceremony commenced at 10:00 AM with the national anthem and interfaith opening prayers, followed by a welcome address from Hon. Mohammed Sadiq, interim chairman of the old boys association.

Alhaji Ahmed Modibbo Abbas delivered a captivating historical overview, tracing the school’s origins to the post-World War I era. Following the defeat of German colonial forces in northern Cameroon, the territory became a British trust under the League of Nations. Influenced by Sir Hugh Clifford’s 1926 education memorandum and ordinance, Mubi One Primary School was founded on January 4, 1926.

Early infrastructure included junior and senior sections with limited classrooms. Pioneer pupils remembered include the late Alhaji Dahiru Monduva, Alhaji Mana Ngoba, and Alhaji Buba Mubi. Surviving teachers from the 1950s–1970s era include Mallam Abdulkadir Atiku Michika and Alhaji Dahiru Chaba.

The school taught subjects like arithmetic, English, nature studies, art, craft, weaving, history, physical education, geography, and writing, with Fulfulde as the initial medium of instruction alongside Hausa and English.

Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Sajoh’s keynote address struck a poignant chord, lamenting society’s loss of moral direction and the growing divide between elites and the masses. He quoted Chief Obafemi Awolowo: “The children of the poor we failed to educate will not allow our children to enjoy education.”

Sajoh recalled an era when children of the privileged and underprivileged shared classrooms, fostering unity—contrasting sharply with today’s segregation driven by expensive private schools and neglected public education.

A highlight was the launch of a N100 million endowment fund, kicked off in grand style by Chief Launcher Alhaji Abdulrahman Buba Kwaccham (represented by Alhaji Ahmed Amu) with a personal donation of N5 million.

Alumni pledged generously toward projects including school fencing, an examination hall, boreholes, classroom renovations, and an ICT center for digital literacy.

The event honored families of pioneer students and surviving former teachers with gifts and awards, evoking heartfelt memories in a colorful and historic atmosphere. Goodwill messages, including from the Emir’s representative, praised the organizers.

Mubi One Primary School boasts an illustrious alumni roster, including HRH Dr. Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa (Lamido of Adamawa and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers), the late Sanusi Barkindo (former OPEC Secretary-General), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu (Executive Secretary, NUC), Professor Isa Chiroma (Director-General, Nigerian Law School), Justice Abdul Aziz Waziri Hassan (JCA), Justice Ibrahim Wakili Sudi (Grand Khadi of Adamawa), former Governor Senator Bindow Umaru Jibrilla, and the late DIG Jika Mana, among many professors, politicians, business leaders, and security personnel.

As Nigeria grapples with educational challenges, the centenary serves as a reminder of the transformative power of foundational learning and a call to renew commitment to inclusive education for all.