Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has restated his administration’s commitment to far-reaching education reforms as he returned to his alma mater, Uga Boys’ Secondary School, during its 50th anniversary celebration in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The governor attended the golden jubilee ceremony on Friday alongside students, teachers, alumni, community leaders and invited guests, using the milestone event to reflect on his formative years and to project his government’s vision for rebuilding public education across Anambra State.
In a symbolic gesture that drew applause from attendees, Soludo appeared at the event wearing his old-style secondary school uniform, an act many interpreted as a deliberate reminder of the enduring influence of public education on personal and national development.
Addressing the gathering, the governor described education as central to the state’s long-term progress. “I stand here today not only as a former student, but as someone deeply interested in the future of our education system,” he said. “Education is the cornerstone upon which we will build a stronger, more prosperous state.”
Soludo recalled his days as a student of Uga Boys’ Secondary School, noting that the institution was once among only four secondary schools serving the wider area. He said those early years shaped his values and discipline, recounting his roles as Library Prefect and Senior Prefect before graduating as a member of the school’s pioneer class in 1980.
“I recall fond memories of my roles as Library Prefect and Senior Prefect before graduating as part of the school’s pioneer class in 1980,” he said. “Those early experiences shaped my outlook and discipline.”
The governor paid special tribute to the teachers who mentored him and other students during the school’s early years, describing educators as the backbone of any meaningful education system. “The commitment of the teachers then, including my Igbo teacher who is here with us today, set a standard of excellence that still inspires me,” he said.
He also acknowledged the founders of the school and members of the Uga community who contributed to its establishment and survival over five decades, referring to them as “unsung heroes” whose sacrifices laid a solid foundation for generations of learners.
Looking beyond reminiscence, Soludo outlined concrete steps his administration is taking to strengthen the education sector, including plans to recruit additional teachers across the state. According to him, the move is aimed at reducing class sizes and improving the quality of instruction in public schools.
“It is vital that we provide a conducive environment for learning, where every child can reach their full potential,” the governor stressed, adding that investment in teachers and infrastructure remains a top priority of his government.
He further reiterated his administration’s resolve to revitalise public schools, describing them as incubators of future leaders and innovators. “Our journey is far from over,” Soludo said. “By investing in education, we invest in our future leaders, innovators and change-makers.”
In a post shared on his official Facebook page after the event, the governor described the anniversary as a “trip down memory lane,” saying he was honoured to reconnect with former classmates, junior colleagues and teachers who shaped his foundation. He reaffirmed his passion for restoring public schools to their “glory days.”
“That’s why we are rebuilding Uga Boys and 21 other public schools into Smart Schools, schools that will inspire future generations,” Soludo wrote. He also urged alumni to contribute to the development of their former schools, noting that collective responsibility remains key to sustaining educational progress.
The Principal of Uga Boys’ Secondary School, Mr Benjamin Igwema, commended the governor’s interventions in the education sector, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of school facilities. He said the improvements had significantly enhanced the learning environment and boosted student morale.
According to Igwema, initiatives such as free education and state-sponsored WAEC fees have led to increased enrolment and expanded academic opportunities for students. He described the 50th anniversary celebration as both a historic milestone and a reminder of the responsibility to preserve and strengthen public education.
The event attracted several notable alumni and dignitaries, including Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke, Bishop Owen Nwokolo and Mr Emeka Ezenwanyi, whose presence underscored the school’s legacy as a cradle of leadership and service. The jubilee ended with renewed calls for sustained investment in education as a foundation for Anambra State’s future.
