USOSA Sports Organising Committee: L-R: Chioma Aninwe, Chidi Anene, Solomon Sokolo, and Vivian Ozoekwe
Michael Magaji, president-general of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), has raised the alarm over the state of public education in Nigeria, calling for urgent reforms and adoption of the smart school model.
Magaji, while peaking at the 44th USOSA Plenary Session held in Enugu, complained about the lack of basic infrastructure in many public schools and described the situation as a national emergency.
“Let’s be honest. The present state of public education in Nigeria is not where it should be. According to UNESCO, over 20 million Nigerian children are currently out of school. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a generation at risk,” Magaji stated.
He commended the Enugu State Government for leading the charge in digital and smart education, describing the initiative as a bold and visionary step toward revitalising public education nationwide.
“In just eleven months since USOSA held an Education Summit on digital learning and transformation for the 21st-century child, we are already seeing action. The move from strategy to practice in Enugu is commendable,” he said.
Magaji praised Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah for what he described as “raising the stakes in education service delivery,” and urged other states to emulate the smart school model being pioneered in the state.
He emphasized that smart schools promote interactive and creative learning environments, where students are equipped with critical thinking, digital literacy, and innovation skills—essentials for today’s world.
“This new pivots from traditional one-way teaching to a more dynamic, student-centered learning model. It’s not just about learning; it’s about co-creating improved learning outcomes,” Magaji explained.
He identified access as a key challenge and called for political will, strategic investment, and collective action to harness the untapped potential within the education sector.
The USOSA president reaffirmed the association’s commitment to contributing to national development through education advocacy and partnerships.
“We will continue to push for smart, impactful education policies at both the federal and sub-national levels. Beyond increased funding, we will also advocate for transparent governance and effective monitoring of educational investments,” he said.
Magaji also encouraged alumni across the country to actively support their former schools, not only by giving back but by “giving forward.”
“Let us adopt schools, mentor students, and fund innovation labs in our alma maters. Alumni must be part of the solution,” he added.
Chidiebere Onyia, secretary to the Enugu State Government, who represented Governor Mbah, said that the smart school initiative was central to the governor’s broader vision of transforming Enugu’s economy.
He noted that while some had initially dismissed the governor’s ambitious plans, including raising the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, as theoretical, the outcomes are now evident.
“What we are doing goes beyond the typical 4–8-year political cycle. These smart green schools are part of a long-term strategy to build a learning culture that supports economic growth, reduces unemployment, and enhances security,” Onyia said.
The 44th USOSA plenary brought together alumni, government officials, educators, and tech innovators to chart a sustainable path forward for education in Nigeria.