We respectfully call on the Kogi State Government to rebuild and revitalize Old Teachers College (OTC), Okene Secondary School (OSS), and LGSS Upogoro so that these historic institutions can once again attract students from within and outside Kogi State.
Today, these schools, particularly Okene Secondary School, are shadows of their former selves. Before 2023, OSS had virtually become inactive until efforts were made by the current management to begin a revival process. Unfortunately, the situation remains critical, especially following the conversion of part of the historic school, established in 1944, into an army barracks during the administration of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
It is painful that many affluent Ebira sons and daughters now send their children to expensive boarding schools outside Kogi State while some of the most prestigious schools in our homeland continue to deteriorate. We must ask ourselves: if these institutions were established and nurtured during periods when Ebira sons occupied leadership positions, who should now take responsibility for restoring them? Should we continue waiting for others to do what we can advocate for ourselves?
Okene Secondary School once enjoyed a national reputation, attracting students from various parts of Nigeria and beyond. Indians, Russians, Hausas, Yorubas, and students from many other ethnic groups and states attended the school. It was a symbol of academic excellence and unity.
We therefore appeal to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Accountant-General of Kogi State, Dr. Habibat Tijani Onumoko, to give urgent attention to these institutions. Their restoration will not only preserve our educational heritage but also provide quality education for future generations.
One of the most painful realities is that during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello, the Federal Technical College allocated to Kogi State was located in Kogi East, thereby giving that region two federal government-owned secondary institutions, while Kogi Central remains without one.
We also call on old students currently serving in government to use their positions to draw the governor’s attention to the plight of these schools, especially Okene Secondary School, one of the oldest educational institutions in Nigeria.
Our vision is to see OSS restored as a fully functional day and boarding school capable of competing with the best secondary schools in the country. Numerous appeals have been made in the past, but there has been little or no positive response.
Regarding Old Teachers College, although parts of its land are reportedly occupied by individuals claiming ownership, we believe that with political will and stakeholder engagement, a lasting solution can still be achieved.
This appeal is made in the interest of educational development, preservation of our heritage, and the future of our children.
Signed
Comrade Muhammed Yusuf Osana
Coordinator
Education Task Force,
Kogi Central Senatorial District
