King’s College workers deny old boys access into school premises over concession

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) claims that members of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA), along with armed police officers, forcefully entered the school premises on Tuesday. Unit Chairman Samuel Enang stated this in an interview with NAN amid a dispute over the proposed concession of King’s College to KCOBA.

Enang alleged that the KCOBA members, with the police, entered the school through the back gate, chased away peaceful protesters, including workers and parents, and physically attacked some, causing injuries that required medical attention. He specifically named Deputy Director Oyedepo, union Vice Chairman Musa Oyewoga, and former Secretary Bolanle Olumegbon as victims of the attack.

Additionally, Enang claimed that police officers seized a staff member's child during the incident, describing it as "disturbing and unacceptable." The ASCSN unit chairman emphasized that workers are against the college's proposed concession to KCOBA and urged the federal government to intervene in the situation, investigate the alleged attack, and ensure the safety of all at the college.

The workers' protest stemmed from concerns over the federal government's plan to concession King’s College to KCOBA through a public-private partnership, with the workers opposing the arrangement due to worries about the college's future, staff welfare, and potential impacts on management. Despite these concerns, the Minister of Education clarified that the Federal Government would retain ownership of the college, while KCOBA would fund its rehabilitation and operations.