The Federal Government has clarified that the historic King’s College, Lagos, has not been sold or privatised, stressing that the institution remains under government ownership despite a new partnership arrangement with the school’s old boys association.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the clarification following public concerns over the concession agreement between the government and the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA).
The minister said the agreement was designed to attract private-sector investment for infrastructure renewal and improved management, rather than transfer ownership of the 117-year-old school.
Government Keeps Legal Ownership
In a statement issued in Abuja, Alausa explained that the arrangement was a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.
He said KCOBA’s role would focus on financing, rehabilitating, modernising and maintaining facilities at the institution.
According to him, the Federal Government would continue to retain statutory ownership, regulatory authority, inspection powers and oversight responsibilities.
“The concession is not a sale of King’s College. Government has retained legal title and will continue to exercise oversight,” the minister said.
PPP Agreement Underwent Regulatory Review
Alausa said the agreement was developed under Nigeria’s established PPP framework and passed through several assessments before approval.
These included: Technical evaluation, financial analysis, legal review, environmental and social assessment, value-for-money analysis, risk evaluation.
He said the arrangement also received the necessary approvals from relevant government authorities.
KCOBA to Fund Infrastructure Development
The minister explained that the partnership would allow KCOBA to finance major improvements across the school.
The planned projects include: Academic buildings, administrative facilities, Student hostels, Staff quarters, Laboratories, Libraries, Dining facilities, Healthcare facilities, Sports and recreational areas, Utilities and environmental improvements.
He said the objective was to modernise the institution while preserving its national identity and public character.
Admissions Process Will Remain Transparent
Alausa assured Nigerians that admission policies would not be altered by the concession arrangement.
He said entry into King’s College would continue to follow existing Unity College principles, including merit, fairness and national representation.
According to him, students from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would continue to have equitable opportunities subject to academic requirements.
He added that admission into Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) would still rely on assessment procedures, including the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) framework.
No Automatic School Fee Increase
The minister also addressed concerns about possible fee increases.
He explained that the agreement did not automatically introduce higher fees, although it did not permanently freeze existing charges.
Alausa said any future financial decisions would be considered within the broader objective of improving infrastructure and maintaining educational standards.
Staff Welfare Protected Under Agreement
The minister said existing employees would be protected through a Staff Transition and Protection Framework contained in the agreement.
He explained that previous government obligations relating to employment benefits, pensions, gratuities and outstanding liabilities would remain protected unless specifically transferred.
After the transition period, KCOBA would manage operational costs associated with personnel under the partnership framework.
Government Maintains Oversight Role
Alausa said the agreement contains performance requirements designed to protect the quality of education and the welfare of students.
He explained that government would continue monitoring: Academic standards, infrastructure quality, Student welfare, safety measures, financial accountability.
He added that the government retained powers to intervene if there were serious breaches or persistent failures.
Preserving History While Building the Future
The minister described King’s College as one of Nigeria’s most important educational institutions, saying preserving its legacy requires investment and modernisation.
“King’s College has a remarkable history, but protecting that history requires investment in its future,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that the Federal Government would continue monitoring the partnership to ensure compliance with agreed objectives.
