Nigerian Education Minister Confirms No Sale of Unity Colleges

The Nigerian Government has ruled out the sale of King’s College, Lagos, and other Federal Unity Colleges, as stated by Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa in Abuja. He assured that the proposed management arrangement with the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) would not lead to increased school fees or job losses for teachers.

The arrangement aims to mobilize resources for the rehabilitation and modernization of King’s College due to its deteriorating infrastructure. Alausa noted poor conditions in hostels, classrooms, and laboratories during an unannounced visit and addressed prolonged electricity issues.

He expressed security concerns regarding public access to the school premises and directed the cancellation of a paid car park arrangement. KCOBA has pledged substantial investment through a non-profit foundation while maintaining merit-based admissions.

The government faces a significant funding gap for the 115 Federal Unity Colleges, with an estimated N2 trillion needed for infrastructure needs. The Federal Government has secured approval to repurpose $20 million from a World Bank-supported program for selected Unity Colleges.