FG Clears King's College Deal: No Fee Hikes, Ownership Stays Public

The Federal Government has moved to clarify its arrangement with the King's College Old Boys Association, stating that the management deal will not extend to other federal unity colleges and that ownership of the institution will remain in public hands. Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja, responding to growing concerns from labour unions, parents, and other stakeholders about the concession agreement.

The minister emphasised that the agreement with King's College is a standalone intervention designed to secure additional resources for facility restoration without transferring the school's ownership. Under the arrangement, school fees will not increase, and teachers' job security will be protected through performance-based compliance measures.

Alausa cited the deteriorating state of the institution's infrastructure—including dormitories, bathrooms, classrooms, and laboratories—as justification for the move, noting that the 117-year-old school requires substantial investment to recover its historical standing. Olumide Akpata, a former Nigerian Bar Association president and member of the old boys association, reiterated that the ₦100 billion concession deal aims to rehabilitate the institution rather than enable its acquisition.

His statement addressed accusations from opponents that the arrangement amounted to privatisation of a national educational asset. The government has also ruled out plans to privatise other unity colleges, stating that federal funding for rehabilitation will continue across all such institutions.

The clarifications suggest the administration is attempting to balance the need for infrastructure investment against public apprehension over the privatisation of state-owned schools.