By Peter Adelowo
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for renewed national commitment to unity, inclusive education, and collective responsibility as Nigeria marks 60 years of the establishment of Unity Schools.
Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Federal Government College Warri, Dr. Jonathan described the institution as one of Nigeria’s most strategic nation-building initiatives, created not only to provide academic excellence but to promote national integration and social cohesion.
The Former President who was represented by the BoT Chairman of the Association, Mr Oye Apata noted that the founding fathers deliberately 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.
According to the former President, recent anniversary activities held 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 before us is how to replicate this spirit across the wider society,” he stated.
Dr. Jonathan emphasized that education remains central to Nigeria’s long-term stability and development, urging stakeholders to reposition Unity Schools as platforms for leadership development, innovation, and responsible citizenship in the 21st century.
He observed that today’s generation faces new realities shaped by digital technology, artificial intelligence, and global interconnectedness, stressing the need to modernize educational approaches while preserving foundational values.
The former President further highlighted the critical role of Old Students’ Associations in sustaining infrastructure, mentoring students, and strengthening institutional capacity.
He commended ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of legacy funds aimed at supporting infrastructural upgrades and long-term sustainability.
“Sustainable impact cannot be left to government alone. It requires collective effort from government, alumni associations, private sector partners, and local communities,” he said.
Dr. Jonathan also expressed confidence that with the alignment of purpose among stakeholders, Unity Schools can continue to serve as models for national cohesion and educational reform.
He concluded by encouraging stakeholders to leverage the anniversary celebrations to generate actionable resolutions capable of strengthening Nigeria’s educational system and enhancing social harmony nationwide.
Also an Education Expert from the Open University, Professor Olugbemiro jegede raised concerns over Nigeria’s readiness to meet the demands of 21st-century education, warning that the country risks falling behind due to insufficient teacher capacity.
“Global projections indicate that only 30 out of 197 countries will have adequate secondary school teachers by 2030, and Nigeria is not among them. In sub-Saharan Africa, only four countries are expected to meet their teacher requirements, highlighting a critical gap in the region”
According to him, many Nigerian teachers lack the digital literacy and modern pedagogical skills needed to guide learners effectively.
“At the policy level, the National Policy on Education requires urgent revision. The existing framework, developed years ago, no longer reflects advancements in technology or modern learning approaches.
He argued that updating the policy is essential to provide a strong foundation for systemic education reform.
He stressed that coordinated efforts are needed to ensure all learners, whether in public or private schools, are equipped to compete effectively in the same labour market.
Professor Jegede insisted that teacher development and policy reform are key to Nigeria’s educational future.
In his presentation, the President of the Unity Schools Old Students Association, USOSA, Mike Magaji urged alumni bodies across the country to take deliberate steps toward strengthening the legacy of Unity Schools.
He emphasized three key priorities which include alumni should be encouraged to nominate deserving former principals and teachers for national honours, including posthumous awards, in recognition of their contributions to nation-building and character development.
He advised schools to establish Halls of Fame to formally recognize distinguished alumni across various sectors noting this would help preserve institutional memory and inspire current students and lastly stressed the importance of structured endowment funds to ensure sustainable development and reduce over-reliance on volunteer efforts.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to playing a stronger role in education policy, governance engagement, and intellectual leadership nationwide.
He also congratulated FGC Warri on its 60th anniversary and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to advance the Unity Schools’ legacy across Nigeria.
In her goodwill message, the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Ms Rose Chundung Ndong called for renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s educational institutions through active alumni engagement and strategic reforms.
Ms. Ndong highlighted the strong foundation laid by the government and Unity Schools in promoting discipline, academic excellence, and national development.
She noted that these institutions have played a critical role in shaping professionals across various sectors.
She urged stakeholders to sustain these values while embracing necessary improvements, stressing that institutions must continuously learn, adapt, and address areas requiring attention for the benefit of future generations.
Drawing from her background in. Geology, Ms. Ndong reaffirmed her commitment to promoting female participation in science and technology.
She concluded by encouraging alumni and stakeholders to take practical steps—regardless of scale—to strengthen their institutions, emphasizing that collective and consistent action remains key to national development.
In his welcome address, the Global President of the Federal Government College Warri old students Association, FEGOCOWOSA, Dr. Godwin Amobi Alo The alumni body, announced plans to upgrade school infrastructure, establish a Technology and Innovation Centre, and provide a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) facility to prepare students for modern examinations.
According to him, these initiatives aim to ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age and align the school with 21st-century educational standards.
He appealed to stakeholders to collaboration with government, private sector, and education professionals to sustain and improve the school’s legacy.
“I encouraged the students to take pride in their institution and pursue excellence, while I pledged the alumni support for STEM education, staff development, and school facilities, ensuring FGC Warri remains a model of quality education in Nigeria” he added.
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