The host community of Federal Government College (FGC), Port Harcourt, has rejected any move to concession or privatise the school. This stance is in line with growing opposition to private management of Federal Unity Colleges, sparked by the controversial King’s College, Lagos, arrangement. Elieke Community in Rumuokoro Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, expressed concerns over reports suggesting FGC Port Harcourt could be brought under similar arrangements.
In a letter dated September 17, the community, through its council, urged the government to increase funding, renovate infrastructure, employ qualified teachers, and equip laboratories and hostels instead of concession. The letter was addressed to the Minister of Education, the principal of FGC Port Harcourt, and the chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The community emphasized its rejection of any plan to privatise or concession FGC Port Harcourt, citing concerns over the founding purpose of Unity Colleges and possible loss of access for ordinary Nigerians.
The controversy over King’s College, Lagos, led to the establishment of a seven-member committee to review the concession agreement following negotiations over the dispute. Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, maintained that King’s College has neither been sold nor privatised, with the Federal Government retaining legal ownership and regulatory powers. Alausa ruled out extending the King’s College model to other Federal Unity Colleges, describing it as an isolated case.
Elieke Community listed several concerns, including betrayal of the founding purpose of Unity Colleges, possible loss of access by ordinary Nigerians, breach of trust with the host community, insecurity, and lack of transparency. The community demanded that FGC Port Harcourt remain a public institution and proposed the establishment of a stakeholders’ committee to discuss the future of Unity Colleges.
The community's position on the continued public status of FGC Port Harcourt is non-negotiable, arguing that ancestral land was made available for an institution intended to promote national unity. The community's rejection of concession and privatisation is in line with the stance of workers in Federal Unity Colleges, who have also opposed the concession and demanded its reversal.
Under the King’s College arrangement, the Federal Government retains ownership while KCOBA assumes responsibility for financing major rehabilitation, infrastructure development, operations, and maintenance. The government has also stated that admissions would continue under applicable Unity College policies and national representation requirements.
The Elieke Community's rejection of the concession plan for FGC Port Harcourt highlights ongoing concerns over the management of Federal Unity Colleges in Nigeria. The community's call for increased funding and improved infrastructure underscores the need for the government to address the concerns of stakeholders in the education sector.
Key points
- Elieke Community rejects alleged plan to concession FGC Port Harcourt.
- Community demands increased funding, infrastructure renovation, and qualified teachers.
- Government rules out extending King’s College concession model to other Unity Colleges.
