A Reflection on Its Legacy and the Debate Around Gov. Uba Sani’s Alma Mater
Dilapidated Structure at Government College Saminaka Zaria — A Personal Reflection
I am a proud alumnus of Government College Saminaka, Zaria — the 1976–1981 set. My student registration number was #368, and those years remain some of the most formative of my life.
We were guided by remarkable educators: Mr. Brimble Combs (a British expatriate), Abubakar Idris as Principal, later Aku, Akos, Batagarawa, BB Ladan, Kazawa, Mr. Malgwi (an NYSC member who became my first mentor), Mr. Lingam(Mathemactic and my Badminton Coach), Mr. John Ponniah (my Biology teacher and de facto school father), Shehu Dabo the Hausa Teacher, and many others too numerous to mention.
Among my fellow students were names that later became prominent across Nigeria: Morenikeji, Francis Abiam, Abubakar Momoh, Abubakar Abdullahi, David Ilama, Mallam Sirajo, Joel Ibrahim, Tanko Alkali, Bro. Friday (my FCS mentor), Abdu Bako, Ibrahim Baba, Thomas Kakah, Bulus Rabo Mamman, Ayuba Adamu (Pambequa), Tanko Alkali, Iliya John, Ibrahim Kure, Kabiru Shema, Mustapha Onoyiveta (Denis), Faruk Suleiman (Francis), Adeyemi, Adekunle, Abel Ameh, John Aliyu Godo Godo, Ramalan, Ango Wasa, Nathaniel, Segun, Shehu Guga, Abdulsalaam Giwa, Yakawada, Yusuf, and Ali Pate Lere. Some are gone, others alive — we thank God for His grace and mercies.
Saminaka’s Silent Legacy
Government College Saminaka has produced professors, political leaders, traditional rulers, business icons, bankers, and corporate executives. Among them:
Prof. Abubakar Momoh (late) — globally respected academic at Lagos State University.
Morenikeji — Oil & Gas professional and High Chief.
Gen. Mustapha Onoyiveta (rtd.) — ADC to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Kabiru Shema (late) — a strong figure during the Yar’Adua administration.
Alh. Suleiman Faruk — current President of KADCCIMA.
Saminaka’s alumni have quietly shaped Nigeria’s academic, political, and business landscape.
While working at the Sheraton Abuja I met Baba M. Lere Bazamri and his son Mohammed Lere, a devoted advocate for Saminaka who helped advance projects such as the school water scheme.
My Encounters with Sen. Uba Sani
I first met Senator Uba Sani when I was Manager of the Arcade Club Suite in Abuja. I never knew of his Saminaka connection until later, he rose to become Chief Press Secretary to President Olusegun Obasanjo. His record in that office was professional and devoid of the drama often associated with the role.
Some now claim he has neglected his alma mater. I disagree. As Senator, Uba Sani initiated personal projects for the school and was even honored with an award. He also played a key role in brokering peace in Saminaka, when the Assemblies of God’s Church was torn apart by factional disputes. His intervention, alongside Gov. El-Rufai’s decisive closure of contentious institutions, helped restore calm.
To say Uba Sani does not care for Saminaka is unfair and ungentlemanly.
Politics, El-Rufai, and the Bigger Picture
I first read criticisms of Uba Sani on one of El-Rufai’s platforms. Politics may be messy, but I have never heard Uba Sani speak ill of El-Rufai.
Yes, During El-Rufai’s tenure, when we cried out for the Saminaka–Magama road, El-Rufai ensured the Kaduna State axis was repaired. That road remains a vital relief route for travelers on the Kaduna–Zaria–Bauchi corridor. We remain Grateful
For Uba Sani as Governor, the Kaduna State has over 600 schools. Should he (Governor Uba Sani) single out Saminaka alone, what would others say? Truth be told, the school did not deteriorate in just one or two years. El-Rufai governed for eight years — what was done then? And with the debt burden left behind, is it wise for the current Governor to embark on projects he cannot finance?
I believe the government has a plan for school rehabilitation. Let us hope it unfolds soon, perhaps in a second tenure, if God wills.
A Plea for Roads
Beyond the school, I appeal for attention to the Pambequa–Zaria Road and the Pambequa–Jos Road. If Kaduna State can repair these roads and secure reimbursement from the Federal Government, or establish a Public-Private Partnership with toll gates after completion, it would be a lasting solution.
Final Thoughts
When I speak of Uba Sani, I do so with responsibility and purpose. He has contributed to Saminaka and Kaduna State in ways that deserve recognition. Criticism should be fair, balanced, and rooted in truth — not in political rivalry. Government College Saminaka remains a proud institution, and its alumni continue to shape Nigeria. May its structures be restored, and may its legacy endure.
Adamu Ayuba 