Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has ruled out the sale or concession of any Federal Unity College, saying the proposed management arrangement for King’s College, Lagos, will not increase school fees or lead to job losses for teachers.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing journalists on concerns surrounding the proposed arrangement with the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA).
Alausa said the Federal Government had no plan to extend the arrangement to other Unity Colleges, stressing that ownership and responsibility for the institutions remained with the government.
“No. We’re not extending it. The government still has its responsibility,” he said.
The minister was equally unequivocal about reports that the government intended to sell some of the schools.
“Let me be unequivocal, the Federal Government is not selling any Unity College,” Alausa said.
“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, does not have the intention to sell any Unity College, and we will not sell any Unity College.”
He added: “That is the government position and go and write it down and hold on to that, we are not selling the government institutions.”
Why Government Backed King’s College Arrangement
Alausa said the proposed arrangement with KCOBA was designed to mobilise additional resources to rehabilitate and modernise King’s College while retaining government ownership.
He said the decision followed concerns about the deteriorating infrastructure at the historic school.
The minister said he visited the college unannounced and observed poor conditions in some hostels, bathrooms, classrooms, laboratories and other facilities.
He also recalled a prolonged electricity problem at the school during his visit. According to him, he contacted the relevant electricity distribution company, after which power was restored to the Senior Secondary School section.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu