Unity requires more than mere symbols – Walson-Jack

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, on Saturday, emphasized that unity requires more than mere symbols, called for a deeper commitment from all sectors of society.

She called for a renewed effort to create an environment where youth can unite, not as strangers divided by language or region, but as brothers and sisters with a shared purpose.

Walson-Jack disclosed this in Abuja, at the 43rd Plenary/Annual General Meeting (AGM), with the theme, ‘Education and National Unity: Our Shared Responsibility’, she emphasized the unity school alumni commitment to restore their former prestige.

She said: “Unity requires more than symbols; it demands active commitment, especially as many of our United Schools have lost their former glory.

“We must forge a new path where youth come together, not as strangers divided by language or region, but as brothers and sisters united by purpose.

“Imagine Nigeria, where schools teach our children the beauty of every tribe and the strength of every culture, fostering a shared destiny that connects us all.

“Education is the fertile soil from which unity can grow, nurturing cultural understanding and healing the divisions that have kept us apart. Yet today, if you examine the student lists of unity schools, you’ll often find them dominated by students of the same tribe and background.”

She noted that the federal government is actively working to revitalize Unity Colleges.

She noted that the federal government is actually doing a lot to bring these Unity Colleges back to what they used to be, She added, “They’re focusing on infrastructure, curricula, teacher training, and other critical areas to revamp the Unity Colleges”.

In his remarks, the President-General of USOSA, Mr Michael Magaji, reiterated its commitment to engaging stakeholders both within and outside the organization to bolster public education, particularly at the secondary school level.

He emphasized the alumni commitment to promoting good corporate governance and welcoming new leaders.

He said: “USOSA is for all schools, and we encourage participation from members of all 110 federal unity colleges. We are in solution mode and will continue constructive engagement with all stakeholders for the growth and improvement of quality public education.”