King’s College Concession Sparks Reopening of Unity Colleges

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria suspended its industrial action, enabling the reopening of Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges, which had been disrupted due to protests over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos. This decision brings relief to thousands of students and their families who were uncertain about the start of the 2026/2027 academic session.

While the strike suspension allows for the resumption of academic activities in the 115 Federal Unity Colleges, the underlying issues regarding King’s College remain unresolved. A seven-member committee will review the concession document and address concerns from labor and stakeholders.

The proposed 35-year concession aims to modernize King’s College, a 117-year-old institution, by allowing the King’s College Old Boys’ Association to mobilize resources for its rehabilitation and maintenance, while the Federal Government retains legal ownership. However, organized labor has raised concerns about the implications for staff welfare and the future management of Federal Unity Colleges.