Daud Olatunji
In a stern warning to the principals of Federal Unity Colleges throughout the nation, Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, have emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding these educational institutions and the students within from potential threats, including attacks or banditry.
During a meeting held on Monday, Minister Mamman addressed the 112 principals of Unity Colleges.
The meeting was part of a series of briefings organized by the Federal Ministry of Education to discuss various aspects of school management.
Mamman spoke passionately about the Unity Colleges, referring to them as “national treasures” that should be shielded at all costs.
Furthermore, Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, echoed this sentiment and urged the principals to be constantly vigilant, going so far as to emphasize that early security warnings should not be dismissed or taken lightly.
Minister Sununu, recognizing the dedication and patriotism displayed by the Unity College principals in serving the nation, issued a directive.
He instructed them to establish strong collaborations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and all relevant security agencies to ensure a seamless synergy that would, in turn, guarantee the security of all federal Unity Schools.
In response to this call to action, Dr. (Mrs.) Idowu Akinbamijo, Chairperson of the Association of Principals of Nigerian Unity Colleges and Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College Ilesa, reaffirmed the commitment of her colleagues to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students under their care.
She stressed that, as parents themselves, the security of these children should be a top priority.
However, Dr. Akinbamijo also seized the opportunity to raise a couple of pressing issues with the ministers.
She requested that there should be an increased focus on constructing housing accommodations in rural Unity Colleges as a means to attract and retain teachers in these areas.
This move would not only bolster the quality of education in such regions but also enhance the security posture.
Additionally, the chairperson urged the ministers to make provisions for teachers’ entitlements before their postings are finalized.
Doing so, she argued, would help alleviate the hardships and inconveniences associated with their relocation, including their family members’ well-being.
The message from the ministers and the unity college principals was clear – the security of students in federal Unity Colleges is a paramount concern, and early security warnings should be heeded without exception.
These directives aim to fortify these educational institutions against potential threats and reinforce the importance of safeguarding the future of the nation, embodied within these schools.
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