Abuja: The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider the proposed acquisition of part of the land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC), Kano. The appeal was made during an awareness walk and rallies held simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice President-General of USOSA, Chinedu Amure, spoke at the rally in Abuja, expressing concerns that converting part of the land into an estate would undermine the long-term growth and legacy of Unity Schools across the country. Amure emphasized that the association’s concerns reflect a deep attachment to an institution that has shaped generations of leaders and patriots in Nigeria.
Amure stated that while the alumni were not opposed to development, reform, or government initiatives aimed at national progress, they urged authorities to preserve educational assets for future generations. He called on the federal government to engage stakeholders and adopt solutions that would strengthen the legacy of Unity Schools in Nigeria.
Mrs. Chide Omali, Global President of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Gboko Old Girls Association, also addressed the rally. She urged the government to protect the original vision behind the establishment of Unity Schools, describing them as national institutions created to foster unity, leadership, and educational excellence among young Nigerians.
Omali stressed the strategic importance of the land allocated to Unity Schools, noting that reducing the land size could limit their ability to accommodate future classrooms, laboratories, ICT centres, sports facilities, vocational training hubs, and staff housing.
Mr. Yusuf Kazaure, an alumnus of FGC Kano and member of USOSA, encouraged the government to work closely with alumni associations, describing them as valuable partners in educational development. He emphasized that alumni groups could support infrastructure development, modernisation projects, and educational reforms without placing additional pressure on government resources.
Dr. Nasir Wasagu, another member of the association, acknowledged the government’s efforts to address housing and infrastructure challenges nationwide but appealed for educational institutions to be protected from encroachment. Wasagu warned that converting portions of school land into residential or commercial estates could negatively affect the learning environment and compromise the long-term sustainability of the institutions.