The Alumni Association of Federal Government College (FGC) Idoani, Abuja Chapter, has expressed concerns over the declining state of unity schools across Nigeria. The association called on the government to take urgent action to revamp the education system, particularly unity schools, to meet global educational standards.
The call was made in Abuja on Sunday during the association’s end-of-year gathering and awards ceremony. The event brought together prominent alumni who shared their insights on challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s educational landscape, reflecting on their experiences and the contributions of alumni associations to societal development.
Urgent Need for Educational Reforms
Chairman of the Elders Committee, Aare Muyiwa Olumilua a former Commissioner of Information and Orientation in Ekiti State, emphasized the need for urgent educational reforms, particularly updating school syllabuses to align with global trends.
“The government should try to review the syllabus, making it more relevant to the world we live in today. What we were taught during our time might have been useful then but does not align with what is happening now. Today, information technology, artificial intelligence, and similar advancements are what drive the world,” he noted.
Olumilua also highlighted the dilapidated condition of school infrastructure, recalling how better facilities in his time aided students’ commitment to education.
“When we were in school, our living conditions were much better. There has been a gradual decay in the infrastructure of schools. The government must put in effort to improve electricity, water, and other amenities that make life bearable for students,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for being recognized for his contributions to the association, describing the award as a motivator. “When your efforts are rewarded, as mine have been today, it inspires you to contribute more towards the success of the chapter,” he said.
The Importance of Following Processes
Immediate past president, Major General Oladele Arogundade, delivered an inspiring message to the younger generation, urging them to embrace processes instead of chasing shortcuts to success.
“Everybody wants to make it quickly, but there’s a process. The people doing well today went through a process. Neglecting that process affects the quality of the product,” he stressed.
Reflecting on his journey, Arogundade praised the unity school system for shaping his outlook on life. “Attending a unity school gave me a broad perception of life. I have friends from every region of Nigeria, and this helped me in the military, where I’ve always seen people first as human beings before considering their ethnicity or religion,” he shared.
Addressing criticisms of alumni associations, which are sometimes perceived as elitist, he countered: “I don’t agree. Yes, we are privileged, but we use that privilege to reach out to others and provide opportunities. Alumni associations are networks of support that foster mutual growth,” he maintained.
Alumni Contributions to School Development
Gen. Arogundade outlined the association’s contributions to FGC Idoani, including donating solar streetlights, repairing hostels, and providing scholarships. “Personally, I donated a generator to power the school’s borehole and parts of the hostels,” he revealed.
He encouraged younger alumni to participate in mentoring programs to guide students toward success. “We mentor them in career and life choices, ensuring they don’t make avoidable mistakes,” he said.
Fostering Unity and Leadership through Alumni Associations
Current chairman Ezekiel IPinlaiye highlighted how his time at FGC Idoani shaped his leadership skills and values. He described the alumni association as a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange.
“The boarding house system and regimental lifestyle at Idoani molded me into the man I am today. Unity schools were designed for cultural integration, and that foundation has influenced my perspective on leadership and unity,” he said.
“Despite our heterogeneous nature as a nation, unity schools bring together people from all parts of the country. This spirit of unity is what we, as an alumni association, aim to uphold and pass on to current students,” Ipinlaiye explained.
Leveraging Alumni Networks for Opportunities
Aare Olumilua encouraged students to leverage the opportunities provided by alumni associations, noting that such networks are vital for professional growth.
“There is strength in numbers. Being part of an association like ours opens doors to employment, business opportunities, and personal development. Even the school benefits from alumni support, as we pool resources to improve facilities and sponsor scholarships,” he said.
“No one knows it all or has everything. Alumni associations provide a platform for networking and mutual assistance,” he remarked.
A Vision for Educational Excellence
The speakers collectively called for stronger partnerships between alumni associations and the government to enhance education in unity schools.
“The government cannot do it alone,” Gen. Arogundade said. “We are working to provide scholarships and improve mentoring programs. This collaboration is crucial for sustaining the legacy of unity schools like FGC Idoani.”
A Celebration of Legacy and Service
The event was also an opportunity for alumni to celebrate their shared history and contributions. Reflecting on his tenure as president, Arugulade said, “This end-of-year party is more than a social gathering. It’s a time to reconnect, network, and reflect on our impact as alumni.”
Promoting Unity and Social Change
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Dr. Olusegun Adeoye, a medical doctor with the West African Health Organization (WAHO), noted the event’s importance. “Putting this event together required commitment and determination to create a forum where we can interact, mingle, and collectively find ways to advance our association,” he said.
He highlighted the declining inter-tribal relationships in Nigeria and the role unity schools and alumni interactions play in addressing such divisions. “The idea behind unity schools was to foster inter-tribal relationships, much like the NYSC. However, this is gradually eroding. This level of interaction can realign our mindset to continue advocating for unity,” he noted.
The evening concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to continue supporting FGC Idoani and other unity schools. Summarizing the collective sentiment, the President of the Chapter Ezekiel Ipinlaiye said, “Our responsibility as alumni is to give back and ensure these schools remain pillars of unity and excellence in Nigeria.”
This gathering demonstrated the power of alumni associations to drive change, foster unity, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
The awardees in this year’s dinner include: Aare Olumuyiwa Olumilua was given “Presidential Award for Exemplary Leadership by Camaraderie, Major General Oladele Arogundade “Presidential Award on selfless and Distinct Leadership while Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi ” Presidential Award of Excellence and contributions to humanity and Nation building”. The Commandant Nigeria Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME), Major General Oladele Arogundade, bestowed Awards on two Distinguished Members of the Abuja Unity Chapter; Dr. Olusegun Moses Adeoye and Mr. Ezekiel Bankole Ipinlaiye for “Exemplary Service and Selfless Leadership” to the Chapter and Association.