The Mangun Old Students’ Association has celebrated the 50th anniversary of Government Science Secondary School, Mangun, announcing the institution’s full transition to a Federal Government Science Technical College after decades of community advocacy, state-led reforms and federal intervention.
The announcement was made during the Golden Jubilee commemoration, where alumni traced the school’s evolution from its establishment as Mwaghavul Community Secondary School in 1975 to its various redesignations under state and federal authorities.
In a statement, the President of the association, Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs, reflected on the school’s beginnings and the shared efforts that shaped its growth.
He recalled that the institution was taken over by the Plateau State Government in 1976 and renamed Government Secondary School, before later becoming Government Science Secondary School as part of the state’s policy to expand science-oriented education.
According to him, the latest transition to a federal science technical college marks a major shift in the school’s mandate, positioning it for stronger technical and vocational training that will serve students across Plateau State and beyond.
He said: “The celebration of the Golden Jubilee gives us an idea of what it means to be grateful in an anniversary year. Therefore, we take this opportunity with gratitude for what the school has made us to be.”
“The school has undergone several metamorphosis, starting as Mwaghavul Community Secondary School on November 27, 1975. In 1976, it was taken over by the Plateau State Government, and was renamed Government Secondary School.
“The need for the state to increase the number of science oriented schools across the three Senatorial Districts led to it being redesignated as Government Science Secondary School, some years ago.”
Biggs noted that the current status as a Federal Government Science Technical College followed a federal takeover aimed at strengthening technical education and expanding opportunities for young people in the region.
He acknowledged the contributions of alumni over the years, citing the provision of computers, a borehole, a hostel facility, beds, chairs and scholarship support to indigent students.
He added that graduates of the school now serve in various sectors including media, law, medicine, civil service, business, academia, farming, the tech ecosystem and traditional leadership.
The alumni president also expressed appreciation to teachers and non-teaching staff whose commitment to students helped shape generations of professionals and community leaders.
“I use this medium to thank all teaching staff; past and present, and the non-teaching staff for their sacrifices for our educational growth over the years. As we celebrate the silver jubilee of our Alma Mater, we appreciate the fact that passing through the school has taught us many lessons of life.” He emphasized.
