Jonathan urges renewed commitment to national unity at 60th anniversary of unity schools

Jonathan urges renewed commitment to national unity at 60th anniversary of unity schools
By John Okezie

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for renewed national commitment to unity, inclusive education, and collective responsibility as Nigeria marks 60 years of Unity Schools.
Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Celebration, Dr. Jonathan described the schools as one of Nigeria’s most strategic nation-building initiatives, created not only for academic excellence but also to promote national integration and social cohesion.
Represented by the Board of Trustees Chairman of the association, Mr. Oye Apata, he noted that the founding fathers designed Unity Schools to bring together young Nigerians from diverse ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds, enabling them to live, learn, and grow together as one people.
He observed that recent anniversary activities in Sokoto, Lagos, Abuja, and Warri demonstrate that the spirit of unity remains strong among alumni despite contemporary national challenges.
“Sixty years on, the core values of unity and national integration remain relevant. The challenge is how to replicate this spirit across the wider society,” he stated.
Dr. Jonathan emphasised that education is central to Nigeria’s stability and development, urging stakeholders to reposition Unity Schools as platforms for leadership, innovation, and responsible citizenship in the 21st century.
He highlighted that today’s generation faces new realities shaped by digital technology, AI, and global interconnectedness, stressing the need to modernise educational approaches while preserving foundational values.
The former president also underscored the critical role of Old Students’ Associations in sustaining infrastructure, mentoring students, and strengthening institutional capacity, commending ongoing initiatives such as legacy funds for infrastructural upgrades.
“Sustainable impact cannot be left to government alone. It requires collective effort from government, alumni associations, private sector partners, and local communities,” he said.
Education expert, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, from the Open University raised concerns over Nigeria’s readiness for 21st century education, warning of insufficient teacher capacity and highlighting that many teachers lack digital literacy and modern pedagogical skills.
He stressed that the National Policy on Education requires urgent revision to reflect technological advancements and modern learning approaches, noting that coordinated efforts are needed to prepare learners for a competitive labour market.
Prof. Jegede insisted that teacher development and policy reform are key to Nigeria’s educational future.
President of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Mike Magaji, urged alumni bodies to strengthen the legacy of Unity Schools, emphasising three priorities: nominating deserving former principals and teachers for national honours, establishing Halls of Fame, and creating structured endowment funds for sustainable development.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to education policy, governance engagement, and intellectual leadership nationwide and congratulated Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, on its 60th anniversary.
In her goodwill message, Ms. Rose Ndong, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), called for renewed commitment to Nigeria’s educational institutions through alumni engagement and strategic reforms, highlighting the schools’ role in promoting discipline, academic excellence, and national development.
Ms. Ndong also stressed the importance of continuous improvement in institutions and reaffirmed her commitment to promoting female participation in science and technology.
In his welcome address, Dr. Godwin Alo, Global President of FEGOCOWOSA, announced plans to upgrade school infrastructure, establish a Technology and Innovation Centre, and provide a Computer-Based Testing facility to prepare students for modern examinations.
He appealed to stakeholders to collaborate with government, private sector, and education professionals to sustain and improve the school’s legacy, encouraging students to take pride in their institution while pledging alumni support for STEM education, staff development, and school facilities.