The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), has decried failing standard of public schools across the country, calling for their upgrade to smart school model.
The President General of USOSA, Mr Michael Magaji, stated this during the 44th USOSA Plenary Session held in Enugu on Sunday.
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 and UNESCO statistics showed that over 20 million Nigerian children are out of school.
“Many government schools are still operating without electricity, internet connectivity, desks and even trained teachers,” he said.
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.
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 then 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.
On his part, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who represented Gov. Peter Mbah, emphasised the vision behind the state’s smart school model.
He noted that many had dismissed Mbah’s ambitions, such as raising the state’s Gross Domestic Product from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, as theoretical, but they were 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 but 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, address unemployment and improves security,” Onyia said.
