The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, and other Federal Unity Colleges, warning that it could undermine the government’s responsibility for public secondary education. NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the development could create a model for transferring other Federal Unity Colleges to external organisations, potentially threatening the future of public secondary education in Nigeria.
According to Ajaero, the concession of King’s College could become a precedent for similar arrangements involving other Federal Unity Colleges. He argued that if the government allows the old boys of King’s College to assume responsibility for the institution, other Unity Colleges could subsequently be handed over to different organisations, some of which may lack the capacity, experience or resources required to effectively manage secondary education.
The NLC also raised concerns that concessioning public schools could eventually lead to the introduction of additional fees and tariffs, making some government-owned schools increasingly inaccessible to students from average-income families. Ajaero warned that providing education to citizens remains a fundamental responsibility of government and should not be abandoned because of funding or management challenges.
Ajaero recalled that government had previously taken over schools established and managed by missionary organisations, arguing that it should therefore continue to bear responsibility for the institutions under its control. He questioned why Nigeria could not continue to fund public schools when governments in developed countries continue to finance schools and universities.
The NLC president endorsed protests against the concession of King’s College and other Federal Unity Colleges, urging the Federal Government to adequately fund and maintain the institutions while ensuring effective management and accountability. He emphasised the historical contribution of the Unity Colleges to national development and promotion of national unity.
King’s College, Lagos, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prominent secondary schools, established in 1909. The institution has produced many notable figures and has played a significant role in shaping the country’s educational landscape. The proposed concession has generated protests and concerns from various stakeholders, including parents and education experts.
The Federal Government has been urged to prioritize the funding and maintenance of public schools, rather than gradually withdrawing from their management and funding. The NLC has called for the preservation of the Unity Colleges, citing their importance in promoting national unity and providing quality education to generations of Nigerians.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress opposes the concession of King’s College, Lagos, citing threat to public education and potential precedent for other Federal Unity Colleges.
- The concession could lead to additional fees and tariffs, making government-owned schools inaccessible to students from average-income families.
- The NLC urges the Federal Government to adequately fund and maintain public schools, rather than withdrawing from their management and funding.
