Nigeria’s Unity Schools Hit by Resumption Crisis as King’s College Concession Sparks Nationwide Dispute
The planned concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its old boys’ association has disrupted the start of the new academic term across Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges, leaving thousands of students unable to resume as scheduled.
The Joint Congress of Unions in the Federal Ministry of Education had directed workers at the colleges not to participate in resumption until the Federal Government reversed the 35-year concession arrangement with the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA).
Reports showed that 112 of the 115 Federal Unity Colleges initially complied with the directive, with students in places including Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Kano and Edo affected. Some parents arrived at schools only to find them closed, while others kept their children at home after receiving the union’s directive.
The dispute has raised concerns about the stability and accessibility of public education. Parents and workers fear the arrangement could lead to higher costs or similar concessions involving other Unity Colleges.
However, KCOBA has rejected claims that King’s College is being sold or privatised. It said the arrangement is a public-private partnership intended to rehabilitate and modernise the 116-year-old school, while ownership remains with the Federal Government.
Following a meeting with the Trade Union Congress, Education Minister Tunji Alausa directed Federal Unity Colleges to resume academic activities immediately. A seven-member committee will review concerns surrounding the agreement.
While stakeholders continue to debate the concession, these issues should be adequately addressed and managed so they do not repeatedly disrupt children’s education or create impressions of instability that could affect their learning, confidence and engagement with school.
