Workers Shut Down Education Ministry Over Planned Concession of Unity Schools
Workers at the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday shut down the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja to protest the Federal Government’s plan to concession Federal Government Colleges, popularly known as Unity Schools.
The protest, led by Samson Chigozie Nnegdi, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), saw workers barricade the entrance with placards and solidarity songs. They demanded an immediate halt and reversal of the policy.
The action followed the Ministry’s announcement that it had concessioned King’s College, Lagos to the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA). In a letter dated 4 September 2026, signed by Dr Folake Olatunji-David, the Ministry directed the college principal to begin arrangements for a 6-month transition, after which funding from the Federation Account will stop.
The Ministry stated that a transition committee has been set up and staff willing to remain with the Federal Civil Service Commission should be listed. Sources indicate similar concession plans are being considered for other FGCs.
The move has sparked legal action from KCOBA and protests from parents and staff. At FGGC Bwari, parents and teachers also barricaded the school on Sunday in opposition.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in a statement, dismissed claims that King’s College has been sold. He said the PPP concession does not transfer ownership or legal title, which remains with the Federal Government.
According to him, KCOBA will finance, rehabilitate, operate and maintain the school’s infrastructure, while government retains oversight, admission policy, and regulatory powers. He added that staff welfare is protected under a Transition and Protection Framework, and that existing FG liabilities will remain with government.
The Minister added that the concession aims to address infrastructure deficits and ensure long-term sustainability. He also clarified that there is no automatic increase in school fees, though there is no permanent freeze.
The concession policy raises questions about the future of government-funded Unity Schools: whether PPP arrangements will improve infrastructure and management, or shift financial burden to parents and students.
The immediate focus is now on the 6-month transition for King’s College and the outcome of the legal challenge.
