FG, unity schools face-off

The federal government's proposed concession of King's College in Lagos to its alumni association has caused a major disruption in the resumption of students at Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria. The Joint Congress of Unions in the Ministry of Education has insisted that no schools should reopen until the government withdraws the concession.

Several of the 115 Federal Unity Colleges remained empty as parents kept their children at home or even left the schools after learning of the workers' stance. The unions warned that the King's College arrangement could lead to other public unity colleges being sold to private interests, undermining their purpose. A meeting held by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, with representatives from the Trade Union Congress and other stakeholders later resulted in the colleges being directed to resume academic activities immediately.

The dispute centers on the 35-year concession of King's College management to the King's College Old Boys' Association, which has raised concerns about ownership, funding, affordability and future administration of the historic institution. The unions maintain that the action is not just about staff welfare but a fight to protect public education.