Nigeria Unity Schools Strike Enters Day 2 Over King’s College Privatisation Crisis
Unity Schools across Nigeria remain shut for a second consecutive day as staff unions protest the Federal Government’s decision to concession King’s College, Lagos, to its Old Boys Association.
The industrial action has halted the resumption of the new academic session, which was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, September 14.
To resolve the crisis, the Federal Government held an emergency meeting on Monday with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), led by Secretary General Nuhu Toro. However, the government maintained its stance, insisting it will not reverse the concessioning policy.
Government Stands Firm on Concession, Assures Staff Job Security
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, assured union leaders during the meeting that the policy would not lead to job losses. He stated that the deployment of both academic and non-academic staff would strictly follow public service rules.
While the agreement for the King’s College Old Boys Association to manage the school proceeds, the government agreed to set up a seven-member high-level committee to review further recommendations.
The committee will feature two representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education (the Minister of State for Education and the Acting Permanent Secretary); one representative from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment; two senior-level representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC); and representatives from the King’s College Old Boys Association.
Nationwide Shutdown Stalls School Resumption
Despite the government’s assurances, the Joint Workers Committee of Unions of the Federal Ministry of Education has ordered teachers, students, and parents to stay away from all Federal Unity Colleges, including Federal Science and Technical Colleges.
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) across the country have issued urgent stay-at-home notices to solidarity strike compliance. In a notice sent to parents of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Bwari (FGGC Bwari), PTA EXCO official Dr. Augustine Modu advised parents not to bring their wards to school.
“All Federal Unity Colleges, including FGGC Bwari, will not open for the scheduled resumption. Resumption will only take place when the situation has been resolved and the suspension of resumption is officially called off,” the statement read, though it noted that registration for new intakes remains ongoing.
