The Old Boys Association of Government College Kaduna (KADOBA) has called on Governor Uba Sani to discontinue the use of the school’s premises as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, citing its adverse effects on students’ education.
At a press conference held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Class of 2004’s graduation, the group lamented the declining state of the school due to a lack of space, classrooms, and other vital facilities. These shortages, they argued, are a direct result of the conversion of portions of the college into camps for NYSC orientation and civil defence training.
Speaking during the event at the school premises in Abakpa, the Chairman of KADOBA (Class of 2004), Engr. AbdurRahman Musa, urged the governor to prioritize the education of students by relocating the NYSC camp.
“The primary reason for turning our alma mater into an NYSC and civil defence training camp was the insecurity in the state, especially the threat of kidnappings in sparsely populated areas,” Engr. Musa said. “However, with the improved security situation under Governor Sani’s administration, we believe it is time to return the corps members to their permanent orientation camp along the Kaduna-Abuja road.”
While commending Governor Sani for his strides in enhancing security since assuming office, Musa appealed to his sense of commitment to education. “We know him as a listening leader who has a passion for the education of our children. It is disheartening to see students deprived of dormitories and learning facilities because they are being used for other purposes.”
The National President of KADOBA, Yusuf Muhammad, also highlighted the psychological impact on students and lamented the dwindling number of enrollees in the school. “Government College Kaduna used to be one of the best institutions in the country, producing governors, senators, military officers, and captains of industry,” he said. “Today, the overall number of students across all classes is less than 300 – a stark contrast to the past when a single form could have more than 300 students.”
He further noted that 70 to 80 per cent of the school’s facilities have been taken over for purposes unrelated to education, contributing to its decline.
“This situation should give everyone sleepless nights. We trust that Governor Sani, with his accessible and people-centered approach, will act swiftly to restore the school to its former glory,” Muhammad added.