Frequently
Asked Questions
The Basics
The Federal Government College Lagos North America Alumni Association (FGCLNAA) Reunion is a gathering for alumni of Federal Government College Lagos (Ijanikin), with open invitations to all alumni, irrespective of where they reside. This event takes place in North America every 2 years. It is an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, rejuvenate, re-strategize, and rebuild relationships with fellow old students, while also supporting school initiatives (e.g. The Light Up Ijanikin solar power project).
In line with these objectives, the 2026 event’s theme is Building Bridges.
The 2026 reunion is taking place in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, over Labour Day long weekend – Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel, 2620 32 Ave Northeast, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T1Y 6B8. This is the first time the event will be held in Canada.
The events for the reunion will include:
- A meet and greet welcome reception
- Biannual General Meeting
- Gala Night and Dinner
- Day trip to Banff National Park
All FGCL alumni (from any set/year) and their guests.
Yes, alumni are strongly encouraged to attend the reunion with their families. The Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel has family-friendly spots, including spacious rooms/suites, on-site dining, pool, and proximity to kid-friendly Calgary attractions. Family-inclusive events (e.g. group outings, casual sessions) are planned—indicate family attendance during registration for appropriate accommodations.
Registration and Costs
Yes, you will have to make payments for registration (covering event access, meals, materials) and hotel accommodation. The association has negotiated Group/family rates with the hotel. Please use these links to register for the event and book your hotel rooms. The rate includes breakfast and free parking at the hotel.
Reunion registration fees are typically CAD $150 – 250 per person, covering core events (Reception, General meeting, and Gala night). Hotel accommodation, excursion trips, personal meals, and trips are not included. Family add-ons or child rates may apply. Early bird discounts and group/set registrations are encouraged.
Yes, potential extras include:
- Optional add-ons like the day trip to Banff National Park (transport, entry fees, meals—estimated CAD $100–200/person).
- Gala night upgrades (e.g., premium seating or drinks).
- Reunion uniform T-shirts
- Fundraising donations (voluntary for school projects like solar power).
- Any personal incidentals (e.g., hotel extras like room service, parking if not complimentary, or additional excursions). Core registration and hotel bookings cover the main program —no hidden mandatory fees are expected but confirm specifics during registration to avoid surprises.
Refunds are available up to 30–60 days prior (e.g., by early August 2026), minus a fee. Please confirm terms when booking as this may change.
Travel and Logistics
Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). It will take you approximately 15 minutes to get to the event venue, the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel. It is well connected with direct flights from major hubs:
• From Canada: Direct from Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL).
• From the USA: Direct from Houston (IAH), Denver (DEN), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), or Atlanta (ATL).
• From Europe: Direct or one-stop from London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), or Amsterdam (AMS)
• From Africa: One or two stops, often via Europe or the Middle East (e.g., from Lagos (LOS) via Frankfurt or Dubai).
Major airlines including United, Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Canada, and WestJet all fly into Calgary. It is advised that you book early as the event is taking place over the September long weekend, a busy post-summer travel period.
Options include:
• Taxis/Uber/Lyft:
• Public transit (Calgary Transit bus/train)
• Rental cars: Available at YYC from Hertz, Enterprise, etc., useful if planning personal trips.
• Calgary is a car-friendly city, and there is free parking at the hotel venue.
• The hotel offers free parking.
• Use apps like ParkPlus for street parking within the city, especially downtown Calgary. Electric vehicle charging stations are common.
Accommodation has been reserved at the Sheraton Cavalier. Please click here to visit the registration and reservation payment site.
Visa and Immigration
• Canadians: No visa needed; just have valid identification if you are flying into Calgary.
• Americans (USA/Mexico): No visa needed; just have valid international passport.
• Europeans: Most EU citizens (e.g., UK, Germany, France) need an electronic travel authorization eTA for air travel. Check this link to see if your country is visa-exempt or you need an eTA.
• Africans (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana): Most require a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV). Apply early (3–6 months in advance) via the IRCC website (cic.gc.ca). Provide invitation letter from organizers (request via Facebook group), proof of ties to home country, finances, and accommodation. Processing times can be 1–3 months; biometrics may be required.
• All travellers: Ensure passport validity (6+ months) and check for any entry restrictions.
• Check if you need a visa or eTA to travel to Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/check-visa-eta.html
Additional Information
You can expect fall-type weather in September. Daytime highs 15–20°C (59–68°F), with cooler evenings. Pack layers, comfortable shoes for walking, formal attire for gala, and casual for outings. Rain is possible, and sometimes light snow showers. Calgary is located in a higher altitude (1,000m) and close to the Rocky Mountains, which means drier air – stay hydrated.
Yes. Indicate needs during registration (e.g., halal, vegetarian, gluten-free). The hotel will try and accommodate such needs. The venues are typically wheelchair accessible. For medical needs, Calgary has excellent hospitals; travel insurance is recommended.
A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created closer to the date of the event.
Extend your stay: Banff trip (included), Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, or Nigerian restaurants – See also 10 things to do in Calgary and 10 things to do in Banff
• There is a contact form on this website – fgclnareunion.com (stay tuned for updates).
• Facebook: Search “FGCL North America Alumni” group.
• The North America or Calgary/Edmonton WhatsApp groups.
