Unity Schools @ 60: Jonathan Calls for Renewed Commitment to Inclusive Education

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to unity, inclusive education, and shared national responsibility as the country marks the 60th anniversary of the Unity Schools.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Dr. Jonathan described the Unity Schools as one of Nigeria’s most important nation-building initiatives, established not only to promote academic excellence but also to foster national integration and social cohesion.

Represented by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association, Mr. Oye Apata, the former President explained that the founding fathers envisioned the Unity Schools as institutions where young Nigerians from diverse ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds would live, learn, and grow together as one people.
He noted that anniversary celebrations held in Sokoto, Lagos, Abuja, and Warri reflect the enduring spirit of unity among alumni, despite the country’s contemporary challenges.
“Sixty years on, the core values of unity and national integration remain as relevant as ever. The real challenge lies in how to extend this spirit to the wider society,” he said.
Dr. Jonathan emphasized the central role of education in Nigeria’s stability and development, calling on stakeholders to reposition Unity Schools as hubs for leadership, innovation, and responsible citizenship in the 21st century.
He also pointed out that the current generation is shaped by digital technology, artificial intelligence, and global interconnectedness, stressing the need to modernize teaching and learning methods while preserving the schools’ foundational values.
The former President highlighted the importance of Old Students’ Associations in maintaining infrastructure, mentoring students, and strengthening institutional capacity. He commended initiatives such as legacy funds aimed at improving school facilities.
“Sustainable impact cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires the combined efforts of government, alumni associations, the private sector, and host communities,” he stated.
Education expert, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede of the National Open University, expressed concern about Nigeria’s preparedness for 21st-century education. He warned of inadequate teacher capacity, noting that many teachers lack digital literacy and modern pedagogical skills.
Professor Jegede called for an urgent review of the National Policy on Education to reflect technological advancements and contemporary learning approaches, stressing that coordinated reforms are necessary to equip learners for a competitive labour market. He maintained that teacher development and policy reform are critical to the future of education in Nigeria.
The President of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Mr. Mike Magaji, urged alumni bodies to further strengthen the legacy of the Unity Schools. He outlined three key priorities: nominating deserving former principals and teachers for national honours, establishing Halls of Fame, and creating structured endowment funds to ensure sustainable development.
He reaffirmed USOSA’s commitment to sound education policy, engagement with governance processes, and intellectual leadership across the country, while congratulating Federal Government College, Warri, on its 60th anniversary.
In her goodwill message, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Ms. Rose Chundung Ndong, called for renewed alumni engagement and strategic reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s educational institutions. She highlighted the role of Unity Schools in promoting discipline, academic excellence, and national development.
Ms. Ndong also emphasized the need for continuous institutional improvement and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing female participation in science and technology.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Global President of FEGOCOWOSA, Dr. Godwin Amobi Alo, announced plans to upgrade school infrastructure, establish a Technology and Innovation Centre, and provide a Computer-Based Testing facility to better prepare students for modern examinations.

He appealed to stakeholders to partner with government, the private sector, and education professionals to sustain and enhance the school’s legacy. He also encouraged students to take pride in their institution, while pledging continued alumni support for STEM education, staff development, and improved school facilities.
Georgina Humphrey