Former President Goodluck Jonathan, education stakeholders, and alumni leaders have called for far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s Unity Schools to reposition them for national integration, innovation, and leadership development, as the Old Students’ Association of Government College Warri (FGC Warri) unveiled plans to establish modern technology facilities in the school.
Jonathan made the call at the 60th anniversary celebration of FGC Warri, describing Unity Schools as one of Nigeria’s most strategic nation-building initiatives designed to promote social cohesion alongside academic excellence.
Represented by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Old Students’ Association, Mr Oye Apata, the former President said the founding fathers deliberately created Unity Schools to bring together young Nigerians from diverse ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds, enabling them to live, learn, and grow together.
He noted that recent anniversary celebrations held in Sokoto, Lagos, Abuja, and Warri demonstrate that the spirit of unity remains strong among alumni despite the country’s current 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,” Jonathan said.
He stressed that education remains central to Nigeria’s stability and development, urging stakeholders to reposition Unity Schools as platforms for leadership, innovation, and responsible citizenship. Jonathan further highlighted the impact of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and global interconnectedness on today’s learners, calling for the modernisation of teaching and learning methods while preserving national values.
The former President also commended the growing role of Old Students’ Associations in sustaining infrastructure, mentoring students, and strengthening institutional capacity through initiatives such as legacy and endowment funds.
“Sustainable impact cannot be left to the government alone. It requires collective effort from government, alumni associations, private sector partners, and local communities,” he said.
Speaking on education reform, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede of the National Open University of Nigeria warned that Nigeria is ill-prepared for 21st-century education due to limited teacher capacity and weak digital literacy among educators. He called for an urgent review of the National Policy on Education to reflect technological advancements and modern pedagogical approaches.
Also speaking, the President of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Mr Mike Magaji, urged alumni nationwide to strengthen the Unity Schools legacy through structured endowment funds, Halls of Fame, and the nomination of outstanding former principals and teachers for national honours.
In her goodwill message, the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Ms Rose Chundung Ndong, emphasised the need for stronger alumni engagement and strategic reforms to revitalise Nigeria’s educational institutions. She reaffirmed the importance of Unity Schools in promoting discipline, academic excellence, and national development, while pledging continued support for female participation in science and technology.
Earlier, the Global President of the Federal Government College Warri Old Students Association (FEGOCOWOSA), Dr Godwin Amobi Alo, announced plans to upgrade school infrastructure, establish a Technology and Innovation Centre, and introduce a Computer-Based Testing facility to prepare students for modern examinations.
He called for collaboration among government, private sector partners, and education professionals to sustain the school’s legacy, assuring of continued alumni support for STEM education, staff development, and improved learning facilities.
