NLC: Opposes King's College Concession, Warns on Privatization

• The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly opposes the proposed concession of King's College, Lagos, and other Federal Unity Colleges.
• NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that such concessions could set a dangerous precedent, leading to privatization by entities lacking capacity and making education inaccessible through new fees.
• The NLC argues that educating citizens is a non-negotiable state obligation, citing historical government responsibility for schools.
• The union advocates for adequate government funding and maintenance of these institutions, which have significantly contributed to national unity and quality education.
• The NLC endorses protests against the concession plans, urging the government to foster open competition among school types instead of privatizing public assets.

The NLC firmly asserts that the obligation to educate its citizenry rests squarely with the state, a duty it cannot abdicate.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has unequivocally declared its opposition to the proposed concession of King's College, Lagos, alongside other Federal Unity Colleges across the nation. This firm stance was articulated by NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement issued from Abuja on Sunday, signaling a significant challenge to any plans for privatizing these public secondary education institutions. The NLC insists that the government must prioritize the preservation of these colleges, ensuring they receive adequate funding and effective management to continue their vital contribution to national development.

This opposition comes amidst growing concerns and protests from various groups regarding the future of public secondary education in Nigeria and the administration of Unity Colleges. The NLC's position underscores a broader sentiment that the government should maintain its direct responsibility for these institutions, rather than transferring their management to private entities. The union believes that the historical significance and educational impact of these colleges necessitate continued public oversight and investment.

While acknowledging that the initiative by King's College old students to take over the school was born from a "sincere desire to restore its lost glory," stemming from years of neglect, underfunding, corruption, indiscipline, and deteriorating services, Mr. Ajaero warned of a "grave danger" lurking within this seemingly noble endeavor. The NLC President cautioned that if this initiative were to succeed, it could establish a perilous precedent for the concessioning of other Federal Unity Colleges to entities of "doubtful capacity" or "nebulous entities." Such a development, he argued, could lead to a situation where these new managers lack the necessary expertise to effectively run secondary education institutions, thereby exacerbating existing challenges within the public school system.

A significant concern raised by the NLC is the potential for concessioning to result in the introduction of new school fees and tariffs. This, Mr. Ajaero stated, would inevitably render these once-accessible institutions unaffordable for students from average-income families, effectively creating an elitist education system. The NLC's Joe Ajaero King's College statement highlights the risk of excluding a large segment of the population from quality education, directly contradicting the principle of equitable access.

The NLC firmly asserts that the obligation to educate its citizenry rests squarely with the state, a duty it cannot abdicate. Mr. Ajaero pointed to historical precedents, noting that the government previously assumed control of schools from missionary organizations, thereby taking on the responsibility for secondary education. He argued that having absorbed these institutions, the government's financial burden for education should, in fact, be considerably less now, making the argument for concessioning even weaker.

Furthermore, the NLC President questioned the rationale behind such privatization efforts in Nigeria, contrasting it with practices in developed nations. He highlighted that even in advanced economies, numerous schools, including universities, receive substantial government funding. This comparison serves to challenge the notion that Nigeria's public education system must necessarily diverge from a model of state support, reinforcing the NLC's call for sustained government investment in Federal Unity Colleges concession Nigeria.

In light of these concerns, the NLC has formally endorsed ongoing protests against the concessioning of King's College and other Unity Colleges. The union has urged the government to instead focus on adequately funding and maintaining these institutions, recognizing their immeasurable contributions to national unity and the provision of quality education throughout their history. Mr. Ajaero emphasized that the historical value of these colleges cannot be quantified, making their preservation a national imperative.

The NLC advocates for the government to sustain a culture of open competition among missionary schools, private schools, and government schools, rather than resorting to what it describes as "selling the schools through the back door." This approach, according to the NLC, would foster a healthier educational landscape without compromising the public's access to quality institutions. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Ajaero posed a poignant question, asking what, in a market economy, would ultimately be "too sacred for government to concession," underscoring the NLC's deep concern about the erosion of public assets and responsibilities.

Lawyers advising government entities or private investors on public-private partnerships (PPPs) or concessions in Nigeria's education sector should be aware of the Nigeria Labour Congress's strong opposition, as this stance could lead to significant industrial relations disputes, public backlash, and potential legal challenges impacting the viability and structure of such agreements.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times