Former Minister of Health and member, Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has tasked members on commitment towards building the “Nigerian Project.”
Chukwu, a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, who spoke at the 46th General Meeting of the association in Abuja, urged members to support in deepening core values bequeathed to the country by its founding fathers, especially the principles of rule of law, justice and equity.
While reminiscing on a united, peaceful Nigeria, which emboldened him to travel from the South-East to Sokoto State for his secondary education without fear, he recalled that tribe and tongue played insignificant role in the scheme of things at the time.
He emphasised on how USOSA can contribute to lifting the country from its present level of disunity, insecurity and injustice, noting that solution to Nigeria’s problems lies majorly in obedience to the rule of law.
Noting that many USOSA members occupy strategic positions in politics and governance, he asked how they have used their privileged offices to uphold rule of law and equity.
He added that merit, rather than ethnicity and religion was promoted in the past. “Unfortunately, USOSA has not been able to infuse that, which they learnt into national politics. Have a rethink of these issues and live by example despite glaring challenges. Speak up where there is a breach of fundamental rights; don’t condone human rights abuses. Lead in the returning of the country to true federalism,” Chukwu charged members.
The guest speaker said he was not in support of disintegration of Nigeria, and consequently, urged his fellow USOSA members to arise and champion the strengthening of true federalism and advocate for peace.
He also condemned the fallen standard of education in unity schools, stressing that insecurity was not the only factor responsible for low enrolment in unity schools.
In his opening marks, the President-General of USOSA, Mr. Michael Magaji, called for mentorship of the younger generations of students.
Highlighting the need to embody the quintessential USOSA values of humility, simplicity, intelligence and patriotism, Magaji urged members to cultivate relationships, professional and healthy connections that will contribute to building personal growth.
Magaji also expressed the importance of integrating younger schools and new members to ensure they are well informed about the association’s activities.
Old students of unity schools from across the country had converged at the National Universities Commission (NUC), to deliberate on issues bordering on the development of their respective schools, not only by giving the various schools facelift, but also upgrading their standards, expanding infrastructure and digitising facilities to meet the global learning standard.
