Why GCU Class 77 plans Oct 26-29 reunion

Forty years ago (1977), a crop of brilliant pre-teenage boys were painstakingly chosen after undergoing two layers of rigorous sieving academic exercise, to be admitted into the highly prestigious college founded by a very distinguished British educationist, Mr. V.B.V. Powell, and moulded in the stature and spirit of the elite public schools in the United Kingdom of Great Britain such as ETON.

That school is Government College Ughelli (GCU), and the few young lads, having successfully scaled through the highly-competitive academic screening which so many vigorously attempted, were offered the very-limited spaces of admission, to their boundless excitement, and pride of their parents and guardians. The interview organizers had given the candidates an “appetizing” feel of GCU life, having camped them for three days in the dormitories alongside the older students. Everyone did his best to pass, and in the end, only the best of the bests were selected.

Thereafter, they were taken through an orientation programme, and ultimately commenced the five-year journey that was quite arduous but exciting. Having seasoned the young lads in the finest crucibles of character and learning underpinned with the highest moral standards, the college eventually unleashed them on the society. And powered by the special grace of God, they have since metamorphosed from juveniles to responsible and respectable gentlemen, conquering the world in their strides. Many of them have excelled in virtually every field of human endeavor, attaining enviable heights in their chosen professions, careers and businesses.

However, along the line, nature has also dealt a severe and brutal blow on these classmates, as a number of them have been recalled by their Creator – May their gentle souls, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Amen! In all, we continue to give thanks and praise to the Good Lord, who has absolute authority to create, sustain and also take life.

Courtesy of ICT advancement, these globally-spread classmates have recently rediscovered and reconnected with themselves, and have been chatting with time-condensed excitement, while also extending hands of brotherly-assistance to those that have been slowed down by realities of life. In the course of their interactions, the idea of physically converging on the Old College grounds to re-enact and celebrate that spirit of brotherly love that was born forty years ago; articulate ways of giving back to their Alma Mater; and above all, thank God Almighty together as a family, for His continued love, mercies and kind blessings on them and their individual families.

That idea received a resounding approval and October 26-29, 2017 fixed for the august event of Joyfully Re-Uniting With Thanksgiving!

The members of the GCU Class of 1977, also known as GCU’77ers, have in their deliberations on the social media, articulated several intervention projects they would embark on, to add value to the college, while also resolving that the reunion would avail them an on-the-ground assessment of the state of the institution’s infrastructure, with a view to rendering reinforcement support where needed.

A loaded bouquet of activities has been lined up to make the reunion a memorable experience. These include daily physical exercises; a business session; general inspection of the college building and equipment infrastructure; lunch and interactive sessions with the staff and students; and a novelty football match, among other exciting activities. Arrangements have also been concluded to deck the reuniting classmates in the prevailing college wears corresponding to every period of the day, including badged uniforms and sportswears.

On Day-3 of the event, the class will host a grand gala dinner under the distinguished chairmanship of Captain Bob Hayes, OON (GCU Class of 1948; Chairman, GCUOBA-UK Branch; and Nigeria’s First Pilot). The Guest Speaker is Mr. Moses Arumemi-Johnson (GCU Head of School 1978-1979); while the Special Guest of Honour is Hon. Chinedu Ebie (Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Delta State of Nigeria).

The Class will round off the four-day reunion rendezvous with an inter-denominational thanksgiving service on Sunday October 29, 2017.