Concession of Unity Schools:Workers shut down Education ministry
Workers at the Federal Ministry of Education, on Monday morning, shut down the headquarters of the ministry over the plan by the Federal Government through the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to concession the Federal Government Colleges (FGCs), otherwise known as Unity Schools, across the country.
The aggrieved workers were led by Samson Chigozie Nnegdi, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
The workers, armed with placards bearing several inscriptions, barricaded the ministry entrance, chanting solidarity songs and insisting that the plan be halted and the decision immediately reversed.
A few days ago, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that it had concessioned the prestigious King’s College, Lagos, to the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA), in a move that has triggered a legal battle over the planned takeover of the institution.
The ministry, in a letter dated 4 September 2026, directed the principal of the college to commence immediate arrangements for the transfer of its management to KCOBA.
The letter, signed by Dr Folake Olatunji-David, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, indicated that all arrangements had been concluded for the immediate handover of the college to KCOBA for implementation of the agreement.
The letter further indicated that the development followed the conclusion of what the ministry described as “all necessary processes” leading to the signing of a concession agreement between the government and the old boys’ association.
It also disclosed that a transition committee had been constituted to oversee the process and ensure a seamless transfer of the college’s management.
According to the ministry, the transition was expected to be completed within six months, after which funding of the college from the Federation Account would be stopped.
“The transition committee is to ensure a seamless transition of the college management to KCOBA within six months, after which funding of the college from the Federation Account will be stopped,” the letter stated.
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The principal was, however, directed to activate all necessary machinery to facilitate the smooth transition of the management of the college to KCOBA.
Education minister,Alausa
The ministry also instructed the school management to make available to the transition committee a list of staff who are willing to remain in the employment of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The directive effectively puts the future administration and funding structure of one of Nigeria’s most prominent secondary schools on a new footing.
However, the concession plan has run into opposition, with indications that the old boys’ association has taken, or is taking, legal action over the proposed arrangement.
