NLC Rejects Plan to Hand Over King's College and Other Unity Colleges

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) does not support the plan to hand over King’s College in Lagos and other Federal Unity Colleges.

NLC President Joe Ajaero shared this in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.

Ajaero mentioned that this plan has sparked protests from different groups worried about the future of public secondary education and how Unity Colleges are managed.

He explained that the move by old students of King’s College comes from years of neglect, lack of funds, corruption, and poor services.

According to him, the former students want to take over the school because they genuinely want to restore its former glory.

“However, buried in this noble initiative lurks grave danger for our secondary school education under the superintendency of government,” Ajaero said.

He warned that if this plan goes ahead, it might lead to more Unity Colleges being handed over to groups that may not be able to manage them properly.

“Once the King’s College Old Boys’ initiative succeeds, relying on precedent, other Unity Colleges will be concessioned to nebulous entities,” he stated.

Ajaero pointed out that some of these groups may not have the ability to run secondary education well, creating more problems for public schools.

He also warned that turning over the colleges could lead to new fees, making it hard for students from average-income families to attend.

“Yet, the obligation to educate its citizenry resides with the state. It is a duty it cannot abdicate,” he said.

The NLC president noted that the government had previously taken over schools from religious organizations and should keep managing secondary education.

He mentioned that the financial burden on the government should be lower now, as it has taken over schools once owned and run by religious groups.

“Even in advanced economies, there are quite a number of schools, including universities, that are funded by government. Why would our case be different?” he asked.

Ajaero said the NLC supports protests against the concession of King’s College and other Unity Colleges. He urged the government to provide enough funds and maintain these schools.

He highlighted that these colleges have made important contributions to national unity and quality education, and their historical role is priceless.

“Rather than sell the schools through the back door, government should maintain or sustain the culture of open competition between missionary schools, private schools and government schools,” he said.

Ajaero emphasized that the government should keep the colleges while ensuring they get enough funding and good management to continue their contributions to national growth.

“Finally, even as we run a market economy, what will be too sacred for government to concession?” he asked.