St. Augustine's Secondary School Gumel

03/12/2025

All work and no play...

03/12/2025

03/12/2025

🇳🇬 REFLECTION ON THE REMOVAL OF GEN. CHRISTOPHER MUSA AS CDS AND HIS APPOINTMENT AS MINISTER OF DEFENCE

In the past few days, there has been a lot of noise and mixed reactions on social media following the removal of Gen. Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff. Many people expressed shock, confusion, and even anger, while others contributed emotionally without full understanding of how governance and leadership transitions work.

But today, with his appointment as the Minister of Defence, we are reminded of an important lesson:
public appointments are not always demotions or promotions. They are simply reassignment of responsibility based on national needs.

My reflections are as follows:

1. Leadership Is Service, Not Position

Gen. Musa has served Nigeria faithfully in uniform, and now he is called to serve again—this time at a policy and administrative level.

Whether as CDS or as Minister, what matters most is competence, integrity, and commitment to securing lives and restoring peace.

This should calm the panic and speculations that flooded social media. Not every change is a punishment; sometimes it is strategic repositioning.

2. Social Media Noise vs. Reality

One of our greatest challenges today is the speed at which assumptions spread online.
Many people quickly interpret events based on emotion, sentiment, or political bias.
But leadership changes—especially in security architecture—are normal, global, and often strategic.

Before we speak or react publicly, may we all learn to:
- Seek facts
- Apply reason
- Avoid inflammatory comments

Remember that instability begins with careless narratives

3. The Bigger Picture: Nigeria Needs Stability

Our country is currently battling insecurity from different angles—kidnappings, banditry, attacks, fear in communities, and disruption of education.

This is not the time for division or noise.
This is the time for unity, accountability, and serious national focus.

If Gen. Musa succeeds as Minister of Defence, Nigeria succeeds.
If the security system improves, we all benefit.
So let us pray and support, not tear down.

4. The true test of leadership changes lies in their impact on the ground. What matters most is how these changes translate into tangible safety, security, and stability for Nigerians. As a priest and trauma counsellor, my concern is for the vulnerable populations suffering from insecurity. Let's focus on the bigger picture: a Nigeria where citizens can live without fear, communities thrive, and children can pursue their dreams without disruption.
My heart is with:
- Families living in fear
- Communities affected by insecurity
- Children whose schooling has been disrupted
- Clergy and citizens at risk
- Those still in captivity.

✝️ PRAYER FOR OUR NATION AND ITS LEADERS

Lord, grant wisdom to all who lead our security institutions.
Bless Gen. Christopher Musa in his new role as Minister of Defence.
Guide him with courage, clarity, and compassion.

Protect our soldiers, comfort families affected by insecurity, and restore peace across Nigeria.
May every decision bring us closer to safety, unity, and national healing.
Amen.
Thank you.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Bamaiyi Shawuya
A concerned citizen.

27/11/2025

📢 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: St. Augustine Secondary School Closes Today for Security Reasons

A few moments ago, we received an official directive from the Desk Officer, Quality Assurance Office, Mr. Michael Lukas, ordering the immediate closure of schools in our area due to the rising insecurity.

As painful and unexpected as this is, we must prioritise the safety of our children, teachers, and the entire school community. Safety comes first. Education can be restored — lives cannot.

💛 A Message to Parents and Guardians

We understand the anxiety this sudden decision may bring. Please welcome your children home with patience and reassurance. Many may feel confused or worried.
Kindly offer them:

- Emotional support: Let them know this closure is temporary and for their protection.
- Guidance: Help them maintain simple routines and stay engaged with reading and revision.
- Protection: Ensure they avoid unsafe places and unnecessary movement during this period.
- Your calm presence can reduce their fear.

💙 To Our Students

Dear young ones, remain calm and hopeful.
Your education does not end here — learning continues wherever you are.
Use this break to:

- Review your notes, read widely, and stay mentally active
- Assist your parents at home and build good character
- Avoid bad company and risky outings
- Stay prayerful and focused on your dreams
- Remember: You are Nigeria’s future. Do not lose hope.

💚 To Our Teachers and School Administrators

Thank you for your courage and steady commitment.
Even in uncertain times, you remain the backbone of our school community.
Let us stay connected, maintain communication with parents, and continue offering encouragement to our students wherever possible.
This is a moment that calls for wisdom, patience, and collective responsibility.

🇳🇬 A Reflection on the Bigger Picture

Nigeria is on the run — insecurity has forced many schools to close, disrupting learning, creating fear, and placing an emotional burden on children, parents, and educators alike.

But even in this darkness, we must not surrender to despair.
Every community must rise together in vigilance, collaboration, and prayer until peace returns to our land.

🙏 A Prayer for Our Land

We entrust our children, families, and communities to God’s protection.
We pray for lasting peace, for the safe release of all those in captivity — especially Fr. Bobbo and many innocent Nigerians — and for wisdom for our leaders at every level.

May God heal our nation.
May He guard our schools.
May He restore calm to every troubled community.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Bamaiyi Shawuya
Principal.

12/11/2025

More than academics — we nurture skills for life. Proud of our student barbers in action! 👏

12/11/2025

A blend of talent and creativity.

12/11/2025

Appreciation visit turned to a melodious visit. Kudos to the wonderful St. Augustine Choristers.

05/11/2025

A beautiful moment at Rex Christus College — sharing a page from our commemorative book with one of their brilliant students. Grateful to the school for their kind support and encouragement. 🙏

04/11/2025

The outgoing Head Boy (Michael Jerry) and outgoing Head Girl (Eli Milcah) Speech during the Graduation Ceremony of her 10th Set at St. Augustine's Secondary School Gumel on 31st October, 2025.

04/11/2025

Yes, we look into the future with renewed hope and determination, trusting in your continued support and partnership. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

01/11/2025

A Tribute to Rahab — A Story of Unshakable Courage, Talent, and Divine Grace.

Some students pass through our schools quietly. Others leave a mark so deep, you carry their story with you forever. Rahab is one of the latter — a rare light, burning bright with talent, strength, and unwavering faith.
Rahab joined St. Augustine Secondary School, Gumel, in SS1. Not long after, her father came to see me.

He was worried about school fees and considered moving her to Kaduna to stay with a relative.
But by then, I had already seen who Rahab was: gifted, focused, full of life. She stood out — in music, in football, in parade — and most of all, in the quiet fire in her spirit.
I reassured her father with a simple truth: “God will provide.” He left her in our care, and that choice changed everything, the rest is a story.
The following year, during our Advocacy Day for Skills Acquisition, Rahab made a magnificent presentation that drew admiration from everyone. A song so powerful, moving the entire crowd.
I encouraged her to develop it further and not allow this God-given gift to die.
She finally wrote the song and brought the lyrics for me to see. And on that same day, by divine coincidence, Fr. Fawei visited my home. He helped refine the lyrics, and shortly after, I contacted Wander Man — the Reggae Man — who became her professional producer.

He came on board and took her to the studio to produce the single you are watching her perform today being her graduation day.
The studio, the performance, the growth... all of it became part of her journey. But Rahab’s story is not just about success — it’s also about pain, and how she rose above it.
After her WAEC, her father called to say how proud he was of her and congratulated her on a successful exams. It was their last conversation.
Two days later, he was killed by bandits on his farm in Ungwan Maigoro. Gadanaji Parish, Kachia LGA. We continue to pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.

It was a devastating blow but Rahab did not crumble. She stood firm. She cried, yes — but she kept going.
Today, as she graduates with top distinctions in her WAEC, she’s also preparing for JAMB and also about to start an apprenticeship in shoemaking — a skill she loves deeply.
While others might have stopped, Rahab keeps moving forward, quietly defying the odds.
Rahab, you are not just a student — you are a testimony. A voice of courage. A reminder that grace does not always come easy, but it always shines through.

From all of us at St. Augustine, we are proud of you — and we know this is only the beginning. May your path ahead be filled with God’s light, open doors, and continued strength. From St. Augustine… to greater heights.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.