The Unity School Old Students Association (USOSA), held its 40th Plenary and Annual General Meeting in a grand style.
They used the occasion to call on stakeholders to support the advocacy of the association to develop Federal Government Colleges, referred to as unity schools for quality education.

The association also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make basic and secondary education funding his priority for national development and sustainable transformation of the country.

President General of USOSA, Michael Magaji, speaking in Abuja during the 40 Plenary and Annual General Meeting, with the theme ‘The Journey to Nationhood – 50 Years of Unity Schools’, organized by USOSA, said that hands must be on deck to promote qualitative education.

He said: “It is remarkable to note that long before the United Nations started its SDG programs, Nigerian government understood the importance of mainstreaming gender as a key element and tool for public education and national development. This is instructive and highly commendable.

“Our country is still a work in progress with challenges in managing and accepting our diversity. USOSANS however remain the true children of Nigeria. We stand and believe in one Nigeria for all and with all.
“We call on our governments to embrace and promote this spirit and provide an inclusive playing field where all Nigerians irrespective of background can thrive and feel a true sense of Nigerians.
“We thank the Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies for actively listening and collaborating with us in our march towards improved public education.
“Let me also call on President Bola Tinubu to make basic and secondary education funding a priority for national development.”

In his Keynote Address, the Chief Executive Officer, Landmark Group, Mr Paul Onwuanibe, explained that an association like USOSA has a huge say in building the future of the next generation.

He challenged the association’s members to leverage on the principles and also stand for what was right to give education a facelift in the country.

Also, in her remarks, the National President, Federal Government Girls College Old Girls’ Association (FGGCOGA), Abaloma of River State, Itoro Clement-Isong, lamented that the essence of unity school is a bit lost due to insecurity challenges across the country.

She said: “I think, first and foremost, apart from the fact that the unity school standards have dropped from what it used to be. It is also the present situation of the country’s insecurity that as a parent, you are less likely to send your child far from home.

“Because you are wondering, can I control the things that will happen to the child? Unlike before, your father will drop you at the motor pack and you are off, but because of the insecurity in the country, children tend to school closer.

“When we solve insecurity challenges in Nigeria, I think you will find students moving across States for studies because it’s actually a very pleasant idea.”