Akume, Gov. Alia, TY Danjuma, others advocate resuscitation of Unity Schools nationwide

They appealed on Monday in Abuja during a #5 billion naira fundraising for the facility upgrade of the Katsina-Ala Government School in Benue State, organized by the Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association (KAOBA)
Secretary to the  Government of the Federation and the Chairman of the occasion, Senator George Akume,  who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Chief Simon Tehimber stated that Katsina-Ala Government School is more than a school, but an institution that has shaped minds, built leaders, and produced men of integrity who are serving the nation with distinction across all sectors.

He said that the decision by the Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association to embark on this ambitious 5 billion naira upgrade project is a clear demonstration of love for the country, love for community, and love for the next generation.

“It tells our children that someone believes in them and is willing to invest in their future. The task of nation building begins in the classroom. No nation can rise above the quality of education it gives its young people. With modern laboratories, upgraded hostels, ICT centers, sporting facilities, and well-equipped classrooms. It is not just renovating buildings. It is creating an environment where honesty, discipline, excellence, and compassion, the values this college is known for, can thrive.”

Senator George Akume further highlighted that the project aligns perfectly with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places education, youth development, and human capital at the center of national development for the old boys.

“This college gave you a foundation. Today it is calling on you to give back what it gave you. 5 billion is big, but together it is achievable. Let us give sacrificially not just with money but with our time, expertise, nd networks to corporate organizations, philanthropists, nd friends of Kasinala. Here present. Investing in this college is investing in Nigeria. The students you help today will be the doctors, engineers, civil servants, and leaders of tomorrow. As secretary to the Government of the Federal Republic, I assure you of the federal government’s support for initiatives that improve the quality of education and infrastructure in our public schools. We will work with the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to see how this noble project can be supported within available resources, and also to ensure that it is carried out across the Nation for the revitalization of the unity schools system. To the Old Boys Association, I congratulate you on this vision and courage. History will remember this generation for what you do today. As we give, let us remember the motto and values that Government College Kasinala instilled in us. Let this upgrade be a legacy of honesty, integrity, and compassion for humanity. Values that make nations great.”

Speaking earlier, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, who said the Benue State government is prepared to deploy all resources to rebuild the school and is ready to partner with any group to see how the institution can be placed where it should be.

However, he expressed shock over the state of dilapidation of the school built in 1952. “When we’re going through the video, which represents the current status of that institution, you know, I was in quite a pensive mood, and the question that was agitating my mind is: why does education have to take a back seat at all times in Nigeria? The state of that school is quite appalling, and if not for the efforts of our revered statesman, General TY Danjuma, it could have been worse than that. So I want more of Danjuma’s to join us so that we can place this school where it should be. And as a government, we are not going to abdicate our responsibility to restore the dignity of the school. So please have my assurance that the Benue State Government will move speedily, regardless of the effort you are going to put in ensuring that the right thing is done.”

General Theophilus Danjuma, who was represented by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), retired Hon. Justice James Ogebe, who is also an old boy of the school, said, “I would have remained a lazy, if not that I attended the school. But it made me stand on my own, to be ready to fight. So I’m happy that I’ve been made the chairman of the board of trustees. I thank Dr. Rauna for recommending me, and I’ll do my best to represent Katsina Ala wherever I go.

“From what has been shown to us, the state of the school is really appalling, really appalling. The facilities are deteriorated, and we need a lot of money to be able to resuscitate those facilities.

While appealing to the Governor of Benue State, I reminded him that the school belongs to the Government of State.

“So I’m appealing to you that we are just assisting. It’s not our responsibility as such. It’s the responsibility of the Benue State Government, and it has been neglected for too long. So we want to partner with you to ensure that this school is enhanced for the betterment of our children in the future. So let’s have a wonderful time of lunching.”

Other prominent members of the Old Boys of the school from contiguous states, including Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, Gov.  Abdulahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State, and Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, who were all represented at the fundraising, corroborated, while emphasizing the urgent need for upgrading of unity schools across the country for a smooth return to the old good days for academic excellence.