Parents shut 155 unity colleges over Kings College concession

The 155 unity colleges managed by the Federal Government across Nigeria did not resume academic activities on Monday as expected.

Parents and guardians reportedly kept their children and wards at home following opposition to the Federal Government’s decision to concession Kings College, Lagos, to its Old Boys Association.

Checks by Vanguard showed that many of the unity colleges were largely empty on Monday, as students did not return for the new academic session.

The development has created uncertainty over the resumption of students in the Federal Government owned schools.

Speaking with Vanguard, the Chairman of the Parent Teacher Association of Unity Colleges in the South West, Mr Ayopo Somefun, said the schools would remain closed until the Federal Government reverses its decision on Kings College.

Somefun said parents were concerned that allowing the concession of Kings College could lead to similar arrangements involving other unity colleges in the country.

He argued that such a move would go against the original purpose of establishing the unity colleges, which was to provide quality education for students from different parts of Nigeria and promote national unity.

According to him, parents and other stakeholders are opposed to the concession because of concerns about the future management and ownership of the schools.

He said parents would continue to resist the decision until the Federal Government addresses their concerns and reverses the concession of Kings College.

The dispute has therefore affected the planned resumption of the 155 unity colleges across the country, with parents waiting for further action from the Federal Government.