The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the Benue State Government, and retired General T.Y. Danjuma have pledged support for efforts to revive the dilapidated Government College, Katsina-Ala.
They made the commitment during the old boys’ association’s ₦5 billion fundraising event for the institution’s upgrade in Abuja on Monday.
The SGF, who was represented by Simeon Tyingu, pledged the Federal Government’s support for initiatives aimed at improving education and infrastructure in public schools.
He also urged the college’s old boys, corporate organisations, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute towards the project.
SGF stated, “I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as the Special Guest of Honour at this historic fundraising event to mobilise ₦5bn for the upgrade of our alma mater, Government College, Katsina-Ala.
“Government College, Katsina-Ala, is more than a school. It is an institution that has shaped minds, built leaders and produced men of integrity who are serving our nation with distinction across all sectors.
“The decision by the Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association to embark on this ambitious ₦5bn upgrade project is a clear demonstration of love for the country, love for the 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 centres, sporting facilities and well-equipped classrooms, this project is not just about renovating buildings; it is about creating an environment where honesty, discipline, excellence and compassion, the values this college is known for, can thrive.”
Akume said the project was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education, youth development and human capital as key drivers of national development.
He added, “To the old boys, this college gave you a foundation. Today, it is calling on you to give back what it gave you. ₦5bn is a huge sum, but together, it is achievable. Let us give sacrificially, not just with money, but also with our time, expertise and networks.
“To corporate organisations, philanthropists and friends of Katsina-Ala present here, investing in this college is investing in Nigeria. The students we have today will be the doctors, engineers, civil servants and leaders of tomorrow.
“As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, 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 Minister of Education and relevant agencies to see how this noble project can be supported within available resources.”
The Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia, said the state government would partner with the college’s Old Boys Association to restore the institution to its former glory, stressing that the government, as the school’s proprietor, had a responsibility to improve its condition.
Ode said, “While I was coming here, the Governor of Benue State directed me to inform this gathering that he would not be the chief launcher of today’s event because he is the proprietor and host of this event.
“And so, all the people who have come here, whether they are members or friends of ours, I will supervise the launching you are conducting today, and the Benue State Government will partner with you to see how we can place this institution where it should be.
“When I was going through the video, which represents the current status of the institution, I was in quite a pensive mood. The question agitating my mind was: Why does education have to take the back seat at all times? The state of the school is quite appalling, and even with the efforts of our revered statesman, General T. Y. Danjuma, it could have been worse than that.
“Finally, I want to say that, as a government, we are not going to abdicate our responsibility to restore the dignity of this school. Please, I give you my assurance that the Benue State Government will move speedily, regardless of the effort you are going to put into this launching today.”
Danjuma, represented by the Chairman of the Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association Board of Trustees, Justice James Ogede (retd.), expressed concern over the poor condition of the school and called for urgent measures to rehabilitate it.
Other alumni of the school also pledged donations towards the renovation and upgrading of its facilities.
Government College, Katsina-Ala, in Benue State, is a public secondary school with a long history of producing graduates who have contributed to Nigeria’s development in various fields.
However, concerns over the deterioration of its facilities have prompted the Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association to seek ₦5bn to upgrade the institution’s infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, hostels, ICT centres and sporting facilities.
The fundraising initiative aims to restore the school’s former standing and provide a more conducive learning environment for future generations, with the association seeking the support of the Benue State Government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians.