I am writing this letter to you as a concerned citizen and former student of Government College Kaduna, with a heartfelt plea regarding the current state of the institution. I respectfully request that your government reconsiders the decision by the previous administration to convert the school from a day secondary school into a boarding institution.
The decision, though perhaps made with good intentions, has drastically affected the school’s population, reputation and diversity, and has led to significant dissatisfaction among parents and the wider community.
Before the conversion, Kaduna Government College stood as a bastion of learning that drew students from various parts of Kaduna City. It was a truly cosmopolitan institution where young minds from all corners of Kaduna City came together to learn, grow, and shape the future of our society.
This diverse student body was one of the key features that made the school unique and reputable, contributing to its success over the years. The decision to turn the school into a boarding facility has led to a massive exodus of students, as many parents no longer feel comfortable enrolling their children under the current system.
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During a recent visit to the school, I was deeply saddened to see how few students now remain. The once-vibrant classrooms and playgrounds that were filled with eager young learners have been reduced to a handful of students.
This sharp decline is not only disheartening to those of us who have a strong connection to the school but also poses a serious threat to the institution’s long-standing reputation as one of the prestigious schools in Kaduna State.
Many parents prefer day schooling for their children for a variety of reasons. Some wish for their children to continue their religious education in Islamic schools after regular classes, while others want them to learn valuable skills such as trades or business outside of the school environment. Boarding school, while valuable for some, does not align with the current needs and preferences of the majority of parents in the community.
The decision to shift to a boarding school has now alienated many prospective students and their families, thereby denying the school the diversity that helped build its illustrious legacy.
The decision to make the school boarding only has not only reduced the student population but also limited access to quality education for children from different backgrounds.
For many families, the cost and other challenges associated with boarding schools are simply unaffordable, leading them to seek other options or withdraw their children altogether.
The decline in the school’s student population should serve as a wake-up call to the government. If this trend continues, the school may no longer be able to sustain itself, which would be a tragic loss for Kaduna State.
It is my firm belief that the only way to restore Kaduna Government College to its former glory is to reverse the decision of the previous government and reinstate its status as a day secondary school.
Your Excellency, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by addressing this issue.
I kindly urge you to take immediate action on this matter. The future of Government College Kaduna, and the thousands of students who could potentially benefit from its return to day school status, depend on your decision.
Let us not allow this once great institution to wither away due to an ill-conceived policy that does not serve the best interests of the students, parents, or the wider community.
Jabir T Usman, concerned former student of Government College Kaduna
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