By Kabiru Malam
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has opposed the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, and other Federal Unity Colleges, warning that the move could undermine access to affordable public secondary education.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
Ajaero acknowledged concerns over years of alleged neglect, underfunding and deteriorating services at some Unity Colleges, saying the King’s College old students’ intervention appeared aimed at restoring the institution.
However, he warned that allowing the initiative could create a precedent for the concession of other Unity Colleges to private entities.
According to him, such arrangements could eventually result in higher school fees and other charges, making the institutions less accessible to students from average-income families.
Ajaero maintained that providing education remained a core responsibility of government and urged authorities to adequately fund, maintain and effectively manage the colleges rather than transfer their management.
The NLC also backed opposition to the proposed concession, arguing that Unity Colleges had contributed significantly to national integration and quality education.
Ajaero urged the government to preserve the institutions and promote healthy competition among public, private and missionary schools.