By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo
The Taraba State Chapter of the Federal Government College (FGC) Wukari Old Students Association has called for renewed commitment to the ideals of Nigeria’s Unity Schools, reaffirming its support for quality education and national integration during the association’s 2026 Variety Day.
The event, held at the Patience Event Centre in Jalingo, brought together alumni, invited guests and representatives of other Unity Schools to review the association’s activities, strengthen longstanding relationships and deliberate on issues affecting education in Nigeria.
A major highlight of the gathering was the adoption of a motion of continuity, extending the tenure of the association’s current executive officers for another term following members’ endorsement.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Henry R. Joro, welcomed participants and appreciated representatives of Federal Government Girls’ College, Jalingo, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Yola, for attending.
Joro described the participation of sister Unity Schools as evidence of the enduring bonds fostered by the Federal Government Colleges, noting that the institutions remain symbols of national unity, discipline, academic excellence and service.
He said the Variety Day was organised to strengthen fellowship among alumni, preserve the college’s heritage and provide a platform for intellectual engagement through paper presentations and leadership discussions.
He urged graduates of Unity Schools across the country to continue supporting their alma maters and work collectively to preserve the vision for which the institutions were established.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairperson of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer of Sisfen Kitchen, Pastor Mrs. Fentirimam Emmanuel Bulus, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship as a practical response to unemployment and economic hardship.
She recounted her journey from humble beginnings to building a successful enterprise, urging youths to identify societal challenges and transform them into sustainable business opportunities.
According to her, Sisfen Kitchen plans to introduce mentorship programmes aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs with practical business and leadership skills.
She also appealed to governments at all levels to strengthen support for small and medium-scale enterprises through access to soft loans, skills acquisition programmes and business-friendly policies.
Also speaking, the Auditor-General for Local Governments in Taraba State, Mr. Shehu Usman Magaji, described alumni associations as critical partners in advancing educational development and nation-building.
He expressed concern over declining confidence in public education, attributing it to inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher welfare and falling academic standards, which he said have driven many parents towards private schools.
Magaji called on federal and state education authorities to intensify monitoring and evaluation of education policies to restore public confidence in government-owned schools.
He, however, commended the Taraba State Government’s free education policy under Governor Agbu Kefas, describing it as a commendable intervention that has expanded access to education and renewed hope for many families.
The event featured paper presentations, networking sessions, entertainment and renewed commitments by members to strengthen the association’s contributions to educational development, mentorship and community service.
