Old students launch N1bn fund for unity schools

The fund, launched by Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) seeks to raise N1 billion annually for the next five years to fill gaps in government funding for the benefit of school-age children.Many former students of unity schools today occupy positions of importance nationwide on account of the excellent education that the federal government-run schools […]

The fund, launched by Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) seeks to raise N1 billion annually for the next five years to fill gaps in government funding for the benefit of school-age children.
Many former students of unity schools today occupy positions of importance nationwide on account of the excellent education that the federal government-run schools imparted in their heydays.
“We had first class education going through public schools. People coming after us do not have that opportunity,” said Hassan Musa, Managing Director of Aso Savings and Loans, and a unity school old student.
Speaking at the N1 billion fundraising dinner, he said, “improving our school is a basic way to getting things right – if not for national [need], then for altruistic reasons.”
Bello Maccido, the Wakilin Sokoto and a unity school alumnus, said scarcity in state funds meant government funding alone could not take care of the educational needs of the country’s growing youth population , with more than 60% of the country aged 24 years and below.
“We have a collective responsibility to prepare this mushrooming group for future leadership,” Maccido said.
He said endowments provided by old students of American schools have exceeded $19.3 billion for Yale University and $30 billion for Harvard.
“What this means is that students from different generations have to dip their hands into their pockets to support the aspirations of future generations,” Maccido said.
In a keynote speech, Chidi Odinkalu, a unity school alumnus and chairman of National Human Rights Commission, reduction in government ability to fund schools demanded a redesign of funding model to but that politicians lacked the will to make the necessary changes.