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KOSA Set 83 Celebrates 40 Years of Achievements, Unity, and Giving Back
In a jubilant gathering, members of the Kuru Old Students Association (KOSA) Set 83 convened to commemorate their 40th Anniversary since graduating in 1983. The monumental event took place at the assembly hall of the Government Science Secondary School Kuru in Plateau State on Saturday, December 2nd, and saw the presence of Set 83 alumni, distinguished guests, KOSA members, and current students.
Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, Nigeria’s former envoy to Namibia and the event’s chairman, fondly reminisced about his early days at the school, emphasizing its academic excellence. He urged the alma mater to strive towards restoring the institution to its former glory.
Dahiru Liman, the Coordinator for KOSA 83 Set, warmly welcomed attendees and nostalgically recounted their reception as teenagers in September 1978. Liman emphasized how the school’s culture, aligned with the motto “Discipline and Hardwork,” prepared them for integration into Nigerian society, contributing expertise to various sectors.
Highlighting Set 83’s achievements since 2016, Liman listed renovations to the dining hall, provision of kitchen utensils, furniture, and rehabilitation of electric/gas cooking facilities amounting to ₦6,200,000. Other accomplishments included a school feeding program (₦3,846,000) and provision of sporting kits (₦820,000). The set also collaborated with Union Bank on initiatives such as establishing an E-library, capacity building for school staff, and banking literacy enlightenment for students.
Representing the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Honorable Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Bashir Lawandi Datti, acknowledged the administration’s awareness of schools’ challenges and outlined plans for upgrades, including the Science School in Kuru.
Expressing joy at reconnecting with schoolmates after four decades, Douglas Nyoja, a Set 83 member, voiced concern about the school’s subpar facilities and education quality. He called for a comprehensive overhaul and emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders, including Alumni Associations and the government.
Prof Patricia Lar, the guest speaker, delivered a lecture on the anniversary’s theme, “The Role of Alumni Association in Sustaining Development in its Alma Mater.” She underscored the importance of functional alumni in supporting sustainable educational systems.
The pinnacle of the anniversary was marked by the commissioning of the renovated table tennis room with new tables by KOSA 83, the presentation of 6,000 books and pens, and a mentoring session for students on “The Path of Career.” Outstanding alumni, including Dcn Fentola from KOSA Set 63, were also honored with awards.
Barrister Chijioke Iziolu Jokesman has attributed his impressive goalscoring instincts to confidence, discipline, and the influence of late Nigerian striker Rashidi Yekini, following another standout performance in the Island All Stars Above 45 Football Tournament.
Jokesman was on target again for his team, producing another quality finish despite carrying a groin injury that had already affected him in the opening game of the tournament.
Reflecting on the encounter, the veteran attacker described it as an interesting contest, while admitting that his team was missing several key players.
“It was a very interesting game even though most of our players were not around. Our midfield wasn’t together, but we give God the glory for the result,” he told SPORTS247.
Jokesman also stressed the importance of sportsmanship, insisting that football should always be played in the right spirit.
“Most of my goals are classy goals, but it is just a game. Fair play is what we preach in every game,” he added.
The experienced forward revealed that his groin problem from the first match had not completely healed before he featured again.
“In the first game, I had a groin after scoring. I tried to manage it but was substituted. Today, the groin wasn’t fully healed, but I wanted and needed to play,” he explained.
The injury returned after he scored, forcing another substitution. Jokesman believes his absence subsequently affected his team’s attacking threat but remains optimistic about returning fully fit for future competitions.
“I pray that by the next tournament, my leg will be perfectly okay, and you will see what we can do,” he said.
‘I Took After Rashidi Yekini’
Asked about the thinking behind what has been described as one of the best goals of the tournament, Jokesman revealed his confidence in his positioning and finishing ability.
“I knew once my positioning was right, the ball would enter the back of the net. I’m a good striker and confident with my abilities if there are people to feed me with the ball,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s legendary goalscorer, Jokesman added: “I think I took after Rashidi Yekini. I believe strongly that an attacker must be able to shoot.”
He explained that his ability to strike with both feet remains one of his major strengths.
“My strength is in my shot, and I make use of both feet — left and right. Once the ball is right, I can strike from any angle,” he stated.
At almost 54, Jokesman believes his longevity is a product of discipline and urged younger footballers to maintain healthy lifestyles, train properly, and avoid habits that could undermine their careers.
He advised aspiring strikers to embrace discipline, self-restraint, proper training, and adequate rest, insisting that with the right attitude, “the sky is your limit.”
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