The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA) has called for urgent revival of unity schools to promote national integration amid growing insecurity, ethnic tensions, and declining education standards
National President of FGCKOSA, Mr Soyinka Shodunke, made the call during an interview at the inauguration of new executives and an awards ceremony, in Abuja over the weekend.
Shodunke emphasised that partnerships with all levels of government were essential to revitalise unity schools, rebuild trust across ethnic and religious lines, and heal long-standing divisions in the country.
“We were privileged to attend unity schools once well-funded by government. Most services were subsidised.
“It’s time we gave back to society and helped these institutions regain their lost glory,” he said.
He stressed that insecurity could be tackled through strong institutions.
“When schools gain national prestige, states will prioritise their protection due to the positive exposure and resources such institutions bring.
“We cannot fold our hands and complain.
“We must contribute to reviving these institutions so they regain their status as centres of excellence and national pride,” Shodunke added.
He noted that Federal Government Colleges had produced numerous leaders including ministers, governors, and captains of industry, who benefitted from the strong values promoted by unity schools.
Shodunke said FGCKOSA, under his leadership, would focus on member welfare and social impact, with structures such as cooperatives, newsletters, and a foundation already in place for effective implementation.
Also speaking, outgoing President Mr Sulaiman Adamu (Class of 1979), said Nigeria’s unity schools must be strengthened now more than ever to restore social harmony.
Adamu, a former Minister of Water Resources, said Federal Government Colleges remained powerful symbols of unity and expressed concern about the worsening standard of education across the country.
“There’s a clear role alumni can play in restoring national unity and improving schools.
“We must step in where government support falls short, and ensure we give back meaningfully,” he said.
Adamu urged younger generations to experience other regions, as many past students from the North studied in the South and vice versa, creating a strong sense of national identity and respect.
He warned that today’s youth often developed ethnic biases on social media without firsthand understanding of other cultures.
This, he said, fueled division and social mistrust across communities.
Adamu advocated reviving the boarding system and reducing over-reliance on local catchment quotas, so that students from diverse backgrounds could learn, grow, and build unity together.
In her remarks, FGCKOSA Vice President, Mrs Nafisatu Waziri (Class of 1990), urged parents to closely monitor their children’s gadget use, which she blamed for rising toxic behaviour among students.
Waziri, a teacher at FGC Kano, called for a curriculum review to include more rest and physical activity, noting the current system overemphasised academics at the expense of holistic development.