The Alumni Association of Theological College of Northern Nigeria (AATCNN) took a monumental step toward strengthening its legacy as it officially laid the foundation for its long-awaited Secretariat Complex on July 18, 2025.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the TCNN campus in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, was attended by the Provost of TCNN, Rev. Prof. James Jemeyira Reynolds, alumni members, students, and notable guests.
This ambitious project marks a significant milestone for AATCNN, a legally registered body under the Corporate Affairs Commission, dedicated to enhancing the college’s mission and fostering continued alumni engagement.
Estimated to cost over ₦90 million, the Secretariat Complex will house offices for alumni operations, a multipurpose hall, guest rooms, and a business center aimed at supporting the sustainability of the alumni network.
In his welcome address, Pastor Dr. Hankuri Tawus Gaya, General Secretary of AATCNN, highlighted the far-reaching significance of the project.
“This is not just about laying bricks and mortar; it is about creating a legacy that will live on for generations. This complex is an investment not only in infrastructure but in the ongoing mission of TCNN and the alumni community,” he said.
Gaya passionately appealed to alumni members and friends of TCNN to contribute generously to ensure the project’s successful completion.
“What we lay today is more than stone,” he continued. “It is a statement of faith in the future. We urge every alumnus to contribute, no matter how small, to help us realize this vision.”The project’s first phase, the substructure, is projected to cost approximately ₦12 million.
Gaya’s appeal underscored the critical role of alumni support, as he emphasized that even modest contributions, such as ₦5,000, could make a substantial impact in achieving the project’s goals.
Rev. Prof. James Jemeyira Reynolds, Provost of TCNN, expressed his deep gratitude to the alumni association for initiating the project.
“I commend the alumni for their vision and determination. This project will not only benefit future generations of TCNN students but will also strengthen the bond between the college and its alumni,” he remarked.
Reynolds acknowledged the importance of collective action in making the project a reality, reiterating that the contributions of every alumnus, no matter the amount, are critical for the completion of the complex. “Together, we can turn this dream into a reality,” he added.
Arch. Stephen Gyang Davou, a TCNN alumnus and the architect behind the project, provided a detailed breakdown of the development.
Initially estimated at ₦70 million, the project’s cost has risen to over ₦90 million due to current economic conditions, including inflation and increased construction material prices The building will be a one-story structure designed to complement the existing campus architecture while providing essential amenities for alumni activities.
The event was marked by a series of prayers from the Theological Education by Extension Fellowship (TEKAN) and TCNN management, followed by goodwill messages from senior alumni members.
Each message reinforced the importance of unity and the shared commitment to the success of the project.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the Provost, expressing appreciation to all those who contributed to the planning and execution of the event.
With the foundation now laid, AATCNN is optimistic about the future. The Secretariat Complex promises to serve as a hub for alumni operations, offering a physical space to foster coordination, support, and engagement for years to come.
For AATCNN, the journey has just begun. As the construction progresses, the association is committed to ensuring that the project remains on track and completed within the set timelines.
The alumni association continues to appeal for contributions, with a firm belief that the collective effort of its members will lead to the successful realization of this ambitious vision.
“We are not just building a structure; we are building a future,” Pastor Gaya concluded. “A future where our alumni, our students, and the entire TCNN community will thrive.”
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