General Gowon who spoke as guest of the 50 years anniversary celebration of Federal Government College Sokoto “the mother of Unity colleges in the country” observed that the aim of establishment of Federal Government Colleges had been achieved.
He explained that FGCs have provided Nigerian children the opportunity to study under same umbrella irrespective of their socio-economic status ethnic background and religious creed thereby cementing the fragile state of the nation.
Gowon therefore commended the old students for their exemplary unity among them and the larger Nigeria community.
The Principal of the college, Mallam Lawal Madaki Malikawa lamented over the fallen standard since the college was established in February 1966.
He attributed the fall to factors such as explosion in students population, over stretched facilities and admission policy.
Others factors were dearth of qualified, committed and motivated teachers, societal changes, technological advancement, lack of reading culture, examination malpractice etc.
In other to regain its past glory, the Principal said the college need more teaching staff in major subjects like English and Mathematics as well as supporting staff in laboratories, clinic, kitchen, security and cleaners.
The old structure should be renovated. The network of road is bad and there was the need to expand the dining hall and clinic while a 32-seater bus, water tanker, solar street lights in the school should be provide.
Despite these challenges however, Mallam Malikawa who is the 11th Principal of the college noted that the old students and staff, some of whom occupy prominent positions in private and public sectors, were trying their best to lift the college to a greater heights and be great again.
The college has in particular to its credit produced and showcase former governors, wives of former head of state, former and serving senators, members of houses of assembly, former ministers, former service chiefs, serving and retired Generals of the armed forces and police, captain of industry.
The Principal expressed the hope that in future FGC Sokoto would produce President of Nigeria.