TUC suspends planned shutdown of Federal Unity Colleges over King’s College concession

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has suspended its plan to shut down Federal Unity Colleges in light of King’s College's concession to the King’s College Old Boys' Association (KCOBA), according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, made the announcement after a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders in Abuja on Monday.

The suspension will grant a seven-member committee an opportunity to investigate unions' concerns regarding the King’s College management agreement, which the TUC warned could resume if the committee's recommendations are not satisfactory. Toro expressed that the meeting was "fruitful and robust," stating that the unions' concerns were presented and considered sincerely.

He added that the suspension would enable the committee to carry out its task and consider the unions' issues. Toro emphasized that the suspension does not signify a permanent withdrawal of the industrial action, and the unions will continue monitoring the committee's recommendations. Alausa directed all Federal Unity Colleges to resume academic operations immediately after the suspension of the industrial action.

Additionally, a seven-member high-level committee has been established to consider additional recommendations that might be integrated into the existing King’s College management agreement between the government and KCOBA. The committee includes representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister of State for Education, and the Acting Permanent Secretary.

The government has assured that King’s College has not been sold or privatized, retaining legal ownership of the 117-year-old institution. Admissions will continue according to the Unity College policies, including merit, transparency, fairness, and national representation, while JSS1 admission will proceed through the established testing and assessment process.

The government also clarified that the agreement does not mandate an automatic hike in school fees, and a Staff Transition and Protection Framework aims to safeguard staff welfare and maintain the continuity of vital services. The concession of King’s College comes amidst enduring funding difficulties faced by Nigeria's Federal Unity Schools, including tardiness in overhead and school feeding allocations.

The government has not explicitly stated that the 2025 funding challenges were the direct cause of the King’s College concession.