Former Senator Shehu Sani has issued a dire warning to Northern leaders, emphasizing the urgent need to take education seriously to prevent the imminent collapse of public schools in the region.
Speaking at the 40th-anniversary celebration of Government Science College, Kagara, organized by the Kagara Old Boys Association (KAGOBA) class of 1984 in Minna, Niger State, Sani reflected on the former glory of public education in Nigeria.
He highlighted that public schools once attracted top-notch educators from around the world, producing professionals across various fields, including professors, doctors, engineers, and military generals.
“It is unfortunate that today, some of the public schools that produced the best people in the history of this country are not what they used to be,” Sani lamented.
He noted that public schools in the North, in particular, have declined drastically, with the region now having the highest number of out-of-school children.
Sani, who also serves as a human rights activist and political commentator, expressed deep concern over the impact of armed bandits and terrorists on education in Northern Nigeria.
He recounted the tragic situation at Government Science College Kagara, which has been repeatedly targeted by bandits, resulting in the deaths and abductions of many students.
Despite the improvements in security under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Sani supports the temporary relocation of the school to Minna to ensure students’ safety.
Sani praised the current administration for its success in eliminating top terrorist commanders, a marked improvement over former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, during which numerous schools were attacked.
In his welcome address, Jafar Tukur, Chairman of KAGOBA and Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, recounted the college’s rich history and its significant contributions to Niger State’s professional workforce.
He stressed the critical role the college has played, noting that many state civil service professionals are alumni of Kagara, Kutigi, Izom, and Maryam Babangida colleges.
Tukur, represented by Philip Ibrahim, Vice-Chairman of KAGOBA, expressed disappointment over the current state of the college. He revealed that for the past decade, KAGOBA has been responsible for providing basic necessities like tables and chairs for students to take their WAEC exams.
The call to action by Shehu Sani and the leaders of KAGOBA underscores the need for immediate and sustained efforts to revive the educational sector in Northern Nigeria, ensuring future generations have access to quality education and the opportunities it brings.
