Akume, Alia, Danjuma seek revival of public schools as alumni launch N5bn project

From Idu Jude, Abuja

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, have called for urgent rehabilitation of public secondary schools across the country to restore academic excellence and improve the quality of education.

The call came yesterday in Abuja during a N5 billion fundraising event organised by the Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association (KAOBA) to upgrade facilities at Government College, Katsina-Ala, Benue State, established in 1952.

The leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating state of educational infrastructure, warning that the neglect of schools that once produced prominent Nigerians threatened the future of younger generations.

Akume, who chaired the occasion and was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Simon Tehimber, described Government College, Katsina-Ala, as an institution that had shaped minds, produced leaders and instilled values of discipline, honesty and integrity in generations of students.

He said the decision of the old boys to embark on the N5 billion rehabilitation project demonstrated their commitment to education, community development and the future of the country.

“The task of nation building begins in the classroom. No nation can rise above the quality of education it gives its young people,” Akume said.

According to him, the proposed upgrade, which includes modern laboratories, renovated hostels, information and communication technology centres, sporting facilities and well-equipped classrooms, would go beyond the rehabilitation of physical structures. “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.”

Akume noted that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on education, youth development and human capital investment.

He urged alumni, corporate organisations, philanthropists and other stakeholders to support the project financially and through the provision of expertise and professional networks.

“This college gave you a foundation. Today it is calling on you to give back what it gave you. Five billion is big, but together it is achievable,” he said.

The SGF assured the association of the Federal Government’s willingness to explore opportunities for supporting the project through the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies, subject to available resources.

“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.”

He added that similar initiatives could contribute to wider efforts to revitalise the country’s public school system.

Speaking through his deputy, Sam Ode, Governor Alia expressed dismay at the condition of Government College, Katsina-Ala, after viewing a presentation showing the extent of deterioration at the institution.

The governor questioned why education had continued to receive inadequate attention despite its importance to national development.

“When we’re going through the video, which represents the current status of that institution, 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?” he asked.

Alia described the school’s condition as appalling, acknowledging the contributions of Danjuma towards sustaining the institution.

“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.”

He assured the old boys that the Benue State Government would not abandon its responsibility for the school, pledging to work with the association and other stakeholders to restore its facilities.

“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,” Alia said.

Danjuma, who was represented at the event by retired Justice James Ogebe, Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees and an alumnus of the school, also expressed concern over the deteriorating facilities.

Ogebe, reflecting on the influence of the institution on his personal development, said the school had equipped him with the discipline and independence needed to succeed in life.

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

He stressed that while the old boys were prepared to support the rehabilitation project, the primary responsibility for maintaining the institution rested with the Benue State Government.

“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,” Ogebe said.

He pledged the association’s commitment to mobilising resources and working with the government to restore the institution’s former standards.

Also represented at the fundraising were Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.

Their representatives supported the call for urgent investment in educational infrastructure and the restoration of standards in public secondary schools across the country.