The President-elect of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Seyi Gambo, has said unity schools remain vital to Nigeria’s efforts to overcome ethnic and religious divisions.
He urged the country to harness its diversity for national development.
Gambo said the founding philosophy of the schools demonstrated how people from different backgrounds could coexist and contribute to national development.
He said Nigeria would achieve greater national cohesion if opportunities were determined by merit rather than ethnicity, religion or gender.
He spoke in a telephone interview with Daily Trust against the backdrop of ethnic and religious divisions in the country.
He argued that Nigeria could become a leading force in the international community if its citizens focused on their shared interests and strengths.
‘The philosophy behind the unity school is a testament to the fact that God loves Nigeria and Nigerians love Nigeria. Our diversity is an uncommon and strategic advantage in the community of nations,’ he said.
‘If we concentrate on or leverage our positive energy, we will be pivotal to a better world where comparative advantage, not ethnicity, religious affiliation or gender, will determine who gets what or the positions we attain. We will therefore set the agenda for the whole world. We have what it takes’, he added.
The USOSA president-elect maintained that unity schools had not abandoned their core mission of fostering national integration.
He described them as important centres for nurturing tolerance and accommodating differences.
He said former students of the institutions had continued to promote peaceful coexistence and acceptance of diverse views in different sectors of the country.
‘Yes, unity schools have not diverted from these ideals. We are still the incubators and melting pot for these critical national elements of socioeconomic development,’ he said.
Gambo, however, called for stronger collaboration among government, alumni associations, the private sector and other stakeholders to improve the quality and management of federal unity colleges.
He identified the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), established to bring different stakeholders into school administration, as an important mechanism that should be made more effective.
The committees comprise representatives of the education ministry, host communities, Parent-Teacher Associations, security agencies and alumni associations.
‘However, we have noticed that most of these SBMCs have not been alive to their responsibilities. We will ensure the SBMC delivers on its mandate,’ he said.
Gambo further urged governments to make education central to their policies and called on corporate organisations to increase investment in the sector.
‘There are a lot of things that will be pivotal to the development we desire for the education ecosystem. Education must be central to every government policy; the corporate sector must invest in it. It must be accessible to all Nigerians,’ he said.
On disparities in access to digital learning facilities, he said USOSA would sustain advocacy and engage relevant stakeholders to mobilise support for schools lacking adequate equipment.
He added that Nigerians in the diaspora would also be encouraged to contribute to efforts to narrow the gap between well-equipped schools and those with limited facilities.
‘It will be a concerted effort by all stakeholders. The advanced nations also have their challenges. We will continue in our advocacy on the same. We will engage critical stakeholders to achieve these. Nigerians at home and in the diaspora will all be mobilised to ensure this,’ he said.
Gambo emerged president-elect at USOSA’s 50th Plenary and elective Annual General Meeting held at the National Universities Commission in Abuja on October 24.
He defeated the incumbent Vice President-General, Chinedu Amure, by 93 votes.
He polled 305 votes against Amure’s 212, while six ballots were declared invalid in the presidential contest.
In the race for Vice President-General, Jayeola Adebola defeated Rufun Ibrahim Jauro with 287 votes to 233. Six ballots were invalid.
Favour Sabo Michael emerged Financial Secretary after polling 345 votes to defeat Semirat Ajide, who secured 173 votes.
Hamman Adil Adamu was elected Treasurer unopposed, while Idoreyen A. Ebong also emerged Secretary-General without opposition.
Kester Idogho won the Assistant Secretary-General position with 354 votes, defeating Hauwa Idi Jimeta, who polled 170. Two ballots were declared invalid in the contest.
The results were signed by the chairman and secretary of the Electoral Committee, Ahmed Tijjani Lawal and Tayelolu Ojo, respectively