Prominent Nigerian leaders, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; and retired General Theophilus Y. Danjuma, have urged the Federal Government and key stakeholders to urgently rehabilitate Unity Schools and historic public secondary colleges across the country to restore Nigeria’s tradition of academic excellence.
The national appeal was made on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a ₦5 billion fundraising event organized by the Government College Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association in Abuja. The gathering brought together government officials, educational policymakers, and alumni leaders to address the deteriorating infrastructure and declining standards in public secondary institutions nationwide. Addressing the audience in Abuja, Senator George Akume emphasized that sustainable national development relies heavily on the quality of foundational learning.
He noted that modern laboratories, upgraded ICT infrastructure, well-equipped hostels, and adequate sporting facilities are essential components for rebuilding an inspiring learning environment in Unity Schools and legacy secondary colleges across all geopolitical zones. Echoing these concerns, Gen. Theophilus Y. Danjuma (Rtd.), represented by Justice James Ogede (Rtd.), Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Old Boys Association, described the physical decay of historic secondary schools across Nigeria as deeply appalling.
He called for immediate, coordinated intervention from both government authorities and alumni networks to reverse the decline and preserve the heritage of institutions that served for decades as centers of excellence and national integration.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Government to partner with federal agencies, alumni bodies, and private sector investors to overhaul public school infrastructure. Governor Alia noted that restoring academic rigor and providing modern facilities in public schools remain critical steps toward empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
