Tension is mounting at King’s College, Lagos, following the Federal Government’s approval to concession the 116-year-old institution to the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA), prompting parents and labor groups to mobilize for a mass protest.
The controversy stems from the Federal Government’s decision to hand over management responsibilities of the elite Unity College to its alumni body.
While KCOBA envisions a collaborative model aimed at restoring deteriorating infrastructure, parent groups and civil service unions fear the arrangement is a precursor to privatization that will drive up costs and exclude indigent students.
Opposition crystallized following an emergency stakeholders’ gathering held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the school’s main campus assembly hall on Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Organizers, including representatives from the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) are mobilizing members to assemble on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 8:00 AM outside the Federal Ministry of Education’s regional office in Victoria Island. Demonstrators intend to press the government to halt the transfer and open direct talks.
”Parents are not in support of the move. Senior civil servants are also saying no to it. King’s College is public property, and old boys should give to the college willingly, not try to take it over under the guise of a concession.” said Mr. Peter Oluwaseye, Chairman, King’s College PTA.
”All members of staff reject this concession and are prepared for any legitimate action to defend government ownership of the college and protect public interest.” Mr. Enang Samuel stated. He is the Chairman, ASCSN King’s College Unit.
”The concession is neither a sale nor privatization, but a collaborative governance model designed to preserve the school’s public character while ensuring sustainable infrastructure development.” Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, President, KCOBA assured parents.
With union delegates and parent coalitions coordinating logistics for the upcoming rally, pressure is mounting on federal authorities to step in. Unless the Federal Ministry of Education suspends the concession framework to host formal tripartite talks, the scheduled mass protest is set to disrupt the upcoming school term.
