Hundreds of parents and staff of King's College, Lagos, recently took to the streets to express their discontent with a proposed plan to concession the management of the school to the Old Boys Association (KCOBA). The protesters carried placards reading "King's College is not for sale" and "Federal Government, we say no to concession." They demanded the suspension of the school's resumption slated for September 13.
The PTA Chairman, Engr. Oluwaleye Peter, threatened court action if the federal government failed to speak up on the issue. In response, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the school remains a federal government property, with the government retaining 100 percent ownership. The minister's statement came as a relief to the protesters, who were concerned that the concession would undermine the school's status as a national institution.
This is not the first attempt to concession King's College, as a similar attempt was made during the tenure of Dr. Oby Ezekwesili as Minister of Education. The proposal has sparked concerns that the school could be reduced to a "cash cow" and that its status as a national pride would be compromised. King's College was founded in 1909 to produce leaders of character and learning for the country.
The proposed concession has raised questions about the government's intentions and the capacity of the Old Boys Association to run a federal institution. The association's ability to manage the school's finances, staff welfare, and standards has been questioned. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) had earlier directed its affiliates to shut Federal Unity Colleges over the proposed concession but suspended the industrial action after a meeting with the Minister of Education.
The TUC's suspension of the industrial action does not mean that the issue has been resolved, and the federal government must continue to engage with stakeholders to find a solution. A committee has been established to look into the matter, but the outcome must take note of the demands of the protesters. The Chairman of the Joint Council, Abraham Onuche, stated that the workers would not recognise the suspension of the industrial action announced by the TUC.
The federal government has agreed to a two-week pause on the take-off of the implementation of the takeover of King's College by the Old Boys Association to allow for dialogue. During this period, both parties are expected to show more understanding that will finally lead to a permanent solution. The government must use this opportunity to engage with stakeholders and find a solution that prioritizes the interests of the school and its students.
The controversy surrounding the proposed concession of King's College highlights the need for a transparent policy on Public-Private Partnerships in education. The government must bring a clear policy to the National Assembly and to Nigerians, explaining the model, terms, and oversight mechanisms. Ultimately, King's College is a trust that must be treated as such, and its management must prioritize the interests of the students and the nation.
Key points
- The proposed concession of King's College has sparked concerns about the government's intentions and the capacity of the Old Boys Association to run a federal institution.
- The federal government has agreed to a two-week pause on the take-off of the implementation of the takeover of King's College by the Old Boys Association to allow for dialogue.
- The controversy highlights the need for a transparent policy on Public-Private Partnerships in education.
