The Alumni Association of Federal Government College, Idoani, has raised concerns over the deteriorating infrastructure in Nigerian schools.
The call for urgent action was made during the association’s 2024 reunion and award ceremony, organised by its Abuja chapter, also known as the Unity Chapter, where members highlighted the need for government intervention and proactive alumni engagement in addressing the challenges faced by schools nationwide.
The chairman of the chapter’s Elders Forum, Aare Olumuyiwa Olumilua, an awardee and an alumnus from the 1984 set, underscored the importance of infrastructural development in schools.
He said, “Most of these schools are not in good condition,” pointing to the stark contrast between the facilities during his time as a student and the current state of many institutions. He emphasised that schools must receive adequate government support to ensure students have access to conducive learning environments equipped with essential utilities such as power and water.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Olumilua highlighted the gradual decay in school infrastructure, noting how government-backed amenities during his school years made life more bearable for students.
He urged the government to prioritise revitalising these facilities to provide better conditions for current and future generations. “The infrastructural decay we see today was not what we experienced in our time,” he stated.
The chairman also encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities available through alumni associations, citing the potential for networking and growth. He said, “There is strength in numbers. When you have a gathering of people from all walks of life, students and alumni alike can benefit immensely.”
Olumilua was awarded for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the alumni association. He commended the association, stating that such recognition of his efforts motivates him to contribute even more to the association’s success.
Commandant at the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME), Auchi and immediate past president of the Abuja chapter of the Association, Major General Dele Arogundade, emphasised the importance of unity schools and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
“One of the best things that ever happened to me in life was attending a unity school. It gave me a broad perception about life and taught me to see people as human beings first, beyond tribe, ethnicity, or religion,” he added.
Speaking on the relevance of unity in today’s Nigeria, Arogundade urged both alumni and students to embrace the principles of togetherness fostered in unity schools. “We are stronger when we see ourselves as one,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the role of alumni associations in fostering collaboration and supporting one another.
Arogundade further commended the association’s projects, such as scholarships, infrastructure improvements, and mentoring programmes, urging all alumni to contribute towards building a stronger community for future generations.
On his part, Ezekiel Ipinlaiye, president of the Abuja chapter of the alumni association, highlighted the role of accomplished alumni as inspirations for younger generations. “We have members who are senators, generals in the military, and leaders in various fields,” he said.
Ipinlaiye also emphasised the association’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among members. “Despite our diversity, this platform unites us for common goals,” he noted, adding that these bonds often simplify professional and personal challenges. “By simply knowing someone in the association, doors can be opened more easily.”
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the reunion and award ceremony and past president of the chapter, Dr Olusegun Adeoye, urged members to prioritise values and individual contributions over ethnic or regional affiliations. “People should stop looking at themselves from where they come from but start looking at the kind of value they present,” he said.
He stressed the importance of fostering unity, a core principle of unity schools. “We believe this level of interaction can help realign our mindset to speak in the light of unity,” Dr. Adeoye noted.
