Fresh concerns have emerged over the future of Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges following reports of possible moves to transfer the management of some of the institutions to private interests, with an alumni association warning that such a decision could undermine the founding vision of the schools and make quality education less accessible to children from low-income families.
The concerns were raised by the President of the Old Students Association of Federal Government College, Ilorin (1996 Set Alumni), Barrister Chukwuyere Izuogu, who cautioned the Federal Government against any policy that could lead to the privatisation or concession of Unity Schools. He argued that while alumni participation in school development should be encouraged, handing over ownership or management to private interests could fundamentally alter the character and affordability of the institutions.
His comments followed reports suggesting that the Federal Government may be considering allowing alumni associations or private organisations to take over the management of some Unity Schools, including discussions surrounding King’s College Lagos. The development has generated debate within the education sector over the future of the country’s federally owned secondary schools.
Speaking during the inauguration of projects donated by the 1996 alumni set of Federal Government College, Ilorin, Izuogu said his association examined the possible implications of such a policy before concluding that it could significantly reduce educational opportunities for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to him, one of the greatest strengths of Unity Schools has always been their ability to provide affordable, quality education while bringing together students from different ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds to promote national unity.
Drawing from his personal experience, he recalled that the affordability of Federal Government College, Ilorin, enabled him to obtain quality secondary education despite coming from Delta State. He maintained that many Nigerians had similarly benefited from the Unity School system because admission was based on national integration and educational opportunity rather than financial capacity.
The Director-Principal of Federal Government College, Ilorin, Dr. Agbo Paul, also appealed to the Federal Government to retain the existing ownership structure of the schools. He warned that private management could lead to significant increases in tuition and other charges, making the institutions unaffordable for many families.
Established to foster national cohesion by admitting students from every part of the country, Unity Schools have for decades remained among Nigeria’s most recognisable public secondary schools. Beyond academic excellence, they were designed to encourage cultural integration and strengthen national identity by enabling students from diverse backgrounds to live and learn together.
While the debate over possible reforms continues, many education stakeholders insist that any policy affecting the schools should preserve their core mandate of providing equitable access to quality education irrespective of social or economic status.
Interestingly, despite opposing any form of privatisation, the alumni association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its alma mater through infrastructure development. During the reunion, members commissioned two solar-powered borehole systems to improve water supply in the boys’ and girls’ hostels, donated three 3D printing machines to enhance technology education, and presented sports kits to students. The projects, funded by members of the 1996 set, were described as part of the association’s effort to give back to the institution that shaped their academic and professional lives.
The development highlights the growing role of alumni associations in complementing government efforts to improve educational infrastructure while also reinforcing the argument that institutional support and investment can be achieved without transferring the ownership or management of public schools to private interests.
