Minister defends King’s College concession, cites infrastructure decay

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa has defended the decision to explore management options for King's College Lagos, citing infrastructure decay and funding gaps. The college, established during the colonial era, has historically produced notable Nigerians but has faced significant deterioration over the years. During a recent visit, Alausa observed poor conditions in hostels, bathrooms, classrooms, laboratories, and other facilities, as well as prolonged electricity outages.

He contacted the electricity distribution company, which subsequently restored power to the Senior Secondary School section. Alausa also noted that several vehicles were using parts of the school premises as a paid car park, raising security concerns, and subsequently canceled this arrangement.

Alausa emphasized the need to review the college's management and introduce measures to attract additional investment. King's College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) has expressed willingness to invest substantially in the institution and rehabilitate its infrastructure, maintaining its merit-based admission policy. The association claimed to have invested over N2 billion in supporting infrastructure at the school.

Alausa highlighted that the proposed arrangement aims to mobilize additional resources to rehabilitate and modernize the college while retaining government ownership.

The Federal Government faces a major funding gap in rehabilitating Nigeria's Federal Unity Colleges. President Bola Tinubu is investing in infrastructure, but the infrastructure gap that has existed for 40 years remains significant, and N2 trillion would still be insufficient for the 115 Unity Colleges. The government will continue to dialogue with unions on the issue, with a commitment to restoring the quality and reputation of the schools.