A dispute over the future of King’s College, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools, turned violent on August 15, as staff and parents blocked executives of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) from entering the premises. The confrontation resulted in injuries to some staff members. The incident highlights a deeper controversy over the Federal Government’s plan to transfer the management of the school to its alumni association.
At the center of the controversy is the Federal Government’s reported determination to concession the management of King’s College to the KCOBA. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has stated that there is “no going back” on the concession. However, this stance has been met with opposition from various stakeholders, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and affiliated unions.
The opposition to the concession is rooted in concerns over the potential impact on the school’s students, particularly those from less affluent families. Parents are worried that the concession could lead to higher fees, making it difficult for them to afford the school’s services. There are also fears that the King’s College may be a test case for a wider transfer of federal unity colleges to alumni organisations or other private interests.
The KCOBA has demonstrated its capacity and affection for the school, providing infrastructure, equipment, scholarships, and institutional support. However, the government’s plan has raised questions about the need for a clear framework setting out the respective responsibilities of government, alumni, parents, and school authorities. Such a framework is essential to address concerns over fees, admissions, staff welfare, infrastructure, governance, and accountability.
A similar example of successful alumni intervention can be seen in Government College, Ibadan, which has benefited from organised alumni support. The experience of Government College, Ibadan, suggests that a partnership between government and alumni can be beneficial, with the government retaining ownership and core public responsibility while the alumni provide substantial funding, expertise, and institutional support.
To resolve the controversy, a seven-man committee was constituted to seek a resolution. The committee is expected to produce a transparent and enforceable agreement addressing the concerns of various stakeholders. A representative governing structure could also be established, bringing together the Federal Government, school management and staff, parents, and alumni to ensure that no single stakeholder exercises unchecked authority over the institution.
The Federal Government must reconsider its language of finality and engage in constructive public policy. The government should provide clear answers to questions about safeguards to prevent the exclusion of children from less privileged backgrounds, regulation of fees, and the scope of the King’s College arrangement. Ultimately, the future of King’s College should be determined by a transparent process that prioritises the educational interests of its students.
Key points
- The Federal Government’s plan to concession King’s College to its alumni association has sparked controversy over concerns about higher fees and exclusion of less privileged students.
- A clear framework setting out the responsibilities of government, alumni, parents, and school authorities is essential to address concerns over the concession.
- A partnership between government and alumni can be beneficial, with the government retaining ownership and core public responsibility while the alumni provide substantial funding, expertise, and institutional support.
