Academic activities at several Federal Unity Colleges across Abuja have been disrupted after students failed to resume as scheduled following protests by teachers’ unions over the Federal Government’s planned concession of King’s College, Lagos.
Many schools that were expected to reopen on Sunday, Sept. 13, remained closed, with students, teachers and parents absent from the premises.
Checks by correspondents revealed that some school gates were locked, while notices were displayed indicating that normal academic activities would not commence until further developments on the concession issue.
Teachers Protest King’s College PPP Arrangement
The disruption followed opposition from education sector unions over the government’s decision to enter into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession arrangement involving King’s College.
Some messages displayed at school entrances included:
“Unity Colleges are not for sale”
and
“No resumption until reversal of King’s College concession.”
The inscriptions reflected concerns among teachers and stakeholders who fear that the agreement could affect the future management of federal schools.
Parents Seek Transparency From Government
At the Federal Government Boys’ College, Apo, the school environment was quiet, with no teachers available to receive returning students.
Mrs Amina Abdullahi, Chairperson of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), confirmed that the institution did not reopen as planned.
She said parents were awaiting further clarification from the Federal Ministry of Education on the dispute.
According to her, former students and alumni have contributed significantly to improving many federal schools, and their role should be recognised in discussions about school management.
She appealed for openness and proper consultation before major decisions affecting education institutions are implemented.
Teachers’ Union Calls for Dialogue
Mr Adamu Ali, Financial Secretary of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Bwari, said the school complied with the directive affecting Unity Colleges.
He urged the government and education unions to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve the disagreement.
Ali warned that prolonged uncertainty could disrupt the academic calendar and affect students, teachers and other workers living within the schools.
NUT Opposes King’s College Concession
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, supported the concerns raised by teachers.
Amba called on the Federal Government to suspend the concession process and consult major stakeholders before proceeding.
He argued that teachers, who are central to the operation of schools, should have been involved in discussions before such an arrangement was introduced.
According to him, changing the management structure of King’s College could create concerns about staff welfare and job security.
“There can never be school without teachers. And every worker should be able to be seen protecting his place of work,” Amba said.
Government Earlier Denied Selling King’s College
The controversy follows earlier clarification by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who said the Federal Government had not sold or privatised King’s College.
The minister explained that the agreement with the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) was a concession arrangement aimed at financing infrastructure development, rehabilitation and improved management.
According to the government, ownership of the 117-year-old institution remains with the Federal Government.
Officials said the agreement was designed to improve facilities while maintaining government oversight, admission policies and the school’s public identity.
