According to the report from the Vanguard, Former Senator Shehu Sani has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of public schools, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Speaking at the 40th anniversary of Government Science College, Kagara, organized by the Kagara Old Boys Association (KAGOBA), Class of 1984 in Minna, Sani emphasized the importance of taking education seriously in the region.
Sani reminisced about the time when public schools were renowned for providing quality education, boasting teachers and lecturers from both local and international backgrounds. He expressed disappointment that these schools have now declined and called for urgent attention to address the educational crisis, especially in the North, which has the highest number of out-of-school children.
The former lawmaker attributed the decline of public schools in the region to the destructive activities of bandits and terrorists. He expressed dismay over the recent attack on GSC Kagara, which resulted in the abduction of students and the subsequent abandonment of the school. However, Sani commended the decision to temporarily relocate the school to Minna, noting improvements in security under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
During the event, Alhaji Jafar Tukur, Chairman of KAGOBA, highlighted the historical significance of Government Science College. He noted that the college, established in 1968, initially operated in Minna before being moved to Kagara in 1973. Tukur emphasized that professionals in Niger state's civil service are products of Kagara, Kutigi, Izom, and Maryam Babangida Colleges.
Tukur also drew attention to the current dilapidated state of the school, revealing that KAGOBA executives had been responsible for procuring furniture for the students to write the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams for the past ten years.
It is worth mentioning that in February 2021, gunmen abducted 27 students, three staff members, and 12 family members from Government Science College, Kagara. Following the incident, Governor Sani Bello ordered the closure of all boarding schools in Rafi, Shiroro, and Munya LGAs, resulting in the continued closure of the school.