By Felix Khanoba
The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has expressed concerns over the declining quality of education in Federal Government Colleges across the country.
President General (PG) of USOSA, Michael Magaji, stated this on Monday in Abuja at a press conference ahead of the 40th Plenary/Annual General Assembly (AGM) of the association.
The AUTHORITY reports that the 40th USOSA Plenary/AGM scheduled for 11th November in Abuja, has its theme as ‘The Journey To Nationhood : 50 Years Of Unity Schools’.
Speaking on the present state of the schools, Magaji expressed concern over the general deterioration that now holds sway in the once highly-cherished academic institutions.
“Many of us are not also very happy about quality of education in the schools. There has been general deterioration in the quality of teaching and even in the results that we see.
” Many of us are not also happy about the admission policy we see today and the admission criteria.
” Many of the schools have been reduced to ethnic nationality, people are no longer comfortable moving from one part of the country to the other, ” he said.
While expressing the readiness of USOSA to partner with government to address some of the challenges, Magaji said the AGM which would also afford him the opportunity to give account of his stewardship, will also provide avenue to x-ray the problems and chart a better path for Unity Schools.
The USOSA PG also said there is the need for government to mainstream alumni relations into public education to effectively address some of the challenges besetting the sector, even as he expressed optimism that the coming into force of the National Secondary Education Commission would go a long way in meeting some of the funding needs of the schools.
On the activities line up for the AGM, Magaji said there would be award/dinner night, entertainment night, sport fiesta, among others.
“This year is very significant for us because because the second set of Unity Schools are turning 50 or have turned 50,” he said, adding that the first generation of the schools- FGC Warri, FGC Okposi and FGC Sokoto were created in 1966.
Magaji said Nigeria now boasts of 110 Unity Schools spread across the country including School of the Gifted Academy, Federal Government Girls Colleges, King and Queen colleges.
The PG, who said the association has continued to contribute positively to ensure a better education in the Unity Schools, harped on the need to reward teachers that have distinguished themselves in their career.
“We have also told national president of individual alumni to nominate principals or teachers, who have excelled in their career or teaching for national merit award.
” There is no reason our teachers should not get OFR, MON. We are going to promote that. We are going to recognise them and project then for national recognition,” Magaji added.
Also speaking, Vice President General of USOSA, Barr. Chinedu Amure, said the association, which has been very unbiased, has continued to promote unity and integration in the country through its various programmes.
On his part, the Chairman (Sports) of the Local Organising Committee, Mohammed Mustapha, said the sports activities would begin on Friday.
He said the sport fiesta tagged :’Nigeria Unite’, which aimed at strengthening the unity in the country, would be a great delight to behold.
