The President General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Michael Magaji, has decried the present state of public education in the country.
Magaji made the observation during the 44th USOSA Plenary Session which was held in Enugu at the weekend.
He said most public schools lacked critical infrastructure for teaching and learning.
“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 out of school.
“That’s not just a statistic-that’s a generation at risk. Many schools still operate without electricity, internet connectivity, desks and even trained teachers,” he stated.
The USOSA President, however, commended the Enugu State Government for pioneering efforts in smart and digital education, describing the move as a bold step toward transforming public education in Nigeria.
He said the smart schools stood as models to be replicated by other sub-national governments across the country.
Magaji, who addressed a gathering of alumni, government officials, education stakeholders, and tech innovators, Magaji praised Governor Peter Mbah for what he called “raising the stakes in education service delivery.”
He said: “Just eleven months ago, USOSA held an Education Summit on digital learning and transformation for the 21st-century child. I am glad to see that we have moved from strategy to practice,” he said.
He urged state governments to adapt their education service delivery systems to the changing demands of the digital age.
“Smart schools are now testing and strengthening critical thinking, creativity, and digital skills in students.
“This new pedagogy pivots from the traditional uni-directional instruction to a more interactive and active transformation where students not only learn but co-create improved learning outcomes,” he stated.
He identified access as the major challenge, noting that with political will, investment, and collective action, available potential would be turned into progress
He declared that USOSA would continue to play a role in national growth and development and would continue to push for smart and impactful education policies at the Federal and Sub national level.
“We will continue to advocate not only for increased fund allocation to the education sector but even more importantly to advocate and participate in monitoring the governance of such funding.
“We will continue to partner with the government and the private sector to deliver teacher training and digital infrastructure.
“And yes, as Alumni, we must return to our schools -not just to give back, but to give forward. Let us continue to adopt schools, mentor students, and fund innovation labs in our alma mater,” he assured.
On his part, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who represented Governor Peter Mbah, emphasised the vision behind the state’s smart school model.
He noted that many had dismissed Governor Mbah’s ambitions, such as raising the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, as theoretical, but they are now seeing it come to life.
“Some thought his plans were just academic exercises. But we’re already seeing the products.
“The governor doesn’t just see education as a huddle of delivery, it’s part of a whole ecosystem for transforming the economy.”
“What we are doing is beyond the typical 4–8-year political cycle. These smart green schools are about building a learning culture that sustains economic growth, addresses unemployment, and improves security,” Onyia said.
