NLC Warns FG Against Backdoor Sale of Unity Colleges

The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned the Federal Government against what it described as the possible “backdoor” privatisation of Federal Unity Colleges through concession arrangements.

NLC President Joe Ajaero issued the warning on Sunday while reacting to the controversy surrounding the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, to the King’s College Old Boys Association.

However, he argued that concessioning the school could create a precedent that may eventually expose other Unity Colleges to similar arrangements.

According to him, the proposed arrangement could encourage the government to hand over other public secondary schools to organisations whose capacity to manage them may not be adequately established.

He also expressed concern that concession agreements could eventually lead to increased school fees and other charges, potentially making the institutions inaccessible to children from average-income families.

Ajaero maintained that providing education remained a responsibility of the state and should not be transferred through concession arrangements.

He argued that the Federal Government had previously taken over schools established by missionary organisations and therefore had an obligation to continue funding and maintaining public educational institutions.

The NLC president questioned why Nigeria should reduce government funding for public education when governments in several advanced economies continue to support schools and universities.

He said Unity Colleges had played important roles in promoting national integration and providing quality education to generations of Nigerians.

The labour centre therefore endorsed ongoing protests against the proposed concession of King’s College and other Federal Unity Colleges.

Ajaero urged the Federal Government to adequately fund, maintain and improve the institutions rather than concessioning their management.

The NLC’s position comes amid opposition from education unions, which have also rejected the proposed arrangement involving King’s College and called for the government to reverse it.

The Federal Government, however, has said it is not selling Federal Unity Colleges and that the King’s College arrangement would not amount to privatisation or lead to increased fees.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa has also said the government would retain ownership and oversight of the institutions.

The dispute continues as stakeholders debate the appropriate model for improving management, funding and standards in Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges across the country.