By ADENIKE AYODELE

The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of King’s College Lagos, on Saturday, unanimously rejected the Federal Government’sapproval to concession the institution to its Old Boys Association (KCOBA), to take over the running of the college.

King’s College Lagos, one of the country’s foremost all boys dual campus Unity College, was established by an Act of Parliament (in Britain) on Sept. 20 1909.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government recently approved the concession of the 116-year-old institution to its old boys association, in what the group described as the beginning of a new era for one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious secondary schools.

Speaking at the college’s PTA Annual General Meeting, the parents unanimously rejected the move, while appealing to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the approval.

Mrs Nkiru Ikechukwu, a parent, urged the Old boys to invest more in the institution, monitor and supervise its finances as a way of giving back, if they felt the standard was depreciating, rather than outright take over.

“If this should be allowed to happen, I dare say that it will trickle down to all other unity colleges in the country and by way of extension also, federal institutions of higher learning across the country.

“It will also affect the fees. Currently, several parents are still struggling to meet up with the fees, talk more of when it is taken over by a set of individuals,

“This college is one college that provide s a level platform for all categories of students irrespective of their social background, or religion.

“It allows students to bond well with one another, promoting unity in diversity, irrespective of class or status of their parents or guardians. So, we are saying a vehement no to the move,” she said.

She asserted that King’s College was a brand, a household name that gave equal opportunity to any Nigerian child who craved for quality education at heavily subsided rate.

Mrs Loveth Nimkur-Ikilama, a teacher, said the move was against the mission of the founding fathers and therefore, should not be sustained.

“I am a product of Unity College myself.

“We enjoyed all it had to offer at the time and I am also convinced all those planning this move also enjoyed the privileges attached to it.

“I am also sure that if allowed, with time, the concession can result to privatisation, which will in one way or the other affect the teachers and of course, the fees will skyrocket.

“This too, to a large extent may also see a lot of indigent but brilliant students drop out of school.

“Therefore, we are saying no to the move,” she said.

Mrs Adewunmi Adeola, a parent, urged stakeholders of Kings College, Lagos, to reject plans to concession the federal unity college to private managers- KCOBA.

She recalled that the school was founded on excellence and national integration, open to children from all parts of Nigeria, hence the need to uphold the objectives.

Noting the dilapidated infrastructure and reoccurring bedbug infestation, she said this should attract increased government funding and supervision, not concession/privatisation.

“We must be truthful to ourselves; this is our national identity.

“Parents and alumni are ready to support the school without surrendering it to concession,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Ibrahim Yunusa, another parent, described the institution as the last hope for both the less privileged and an average Nigerian.

He noted that like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the essence was to promote unity, encourage bonding among the children, while upholding the values and principles of the founders.

“In this college, we have very highly qualified teachers that bequeath knowledge and uphold academic standards to the children of the not too wealthy in the society.

“All we want at this time is to support the college that has done so much in molding character and shaping the future of its students.

“It has produced great men who are doing well in their respective areas of life endeavour and therefore, what we need to do is find a way of giving back and not to buy it over,” he said.

Another teacher, who demanded anonymity, described the college as a mini Nigeria, going by the cultural, religious diversity of both the students and staff

According to her, the college has come through for a lot of underprivileged parents and guardians and therefore must not be allowed to be in the hands of some private individuals that would end up making access to education less affordable.

A group of parents also expressed their concerns about the development adding that the move was in bad taste.

“We are gathered here today to express our deep concern and strong opposition to the much advertised concessioning of King’s College Lagos.

“Education is a fundamental right, not a reserve for those who can afford it. Public schools belong to the people.

“The college was established to provide affordable, accessible, and qualitative education for every child, regardless of family income or social background.

“Education should be at the reach of every one. And therefore, we strongly believe that handing over the management of this college, to a group of businessmen, is unacceptable,” they stated.

They noted that as parents, they had invested their time, resources and commitment in supporting the college over the years.

“If money is actually the core reason for this concession, parents are willing to make further sacrifices.

“We believe that the challenges facing this college can be addressed to increase government funding, improve infrastructure, transparent management, and meaningful engagement with state, not by transferring the responsibility of public education to private entities.

“We, therefore, respectfully call on the government to immediately suspend the proposed concession and initiate genuine law with all stakeholders.

“We also urge policymakers to prioritise investment in public education by providing adequate funding, local facilities, qualified teachers, and effective supervision,” the parents stated.

Reading the communique, Mr Peter Oluwaleye, KCL PTA Chairman, said “We are gathered here today to express our deep concern and strong opposition to the much advertised concessioning of King’s College Lagos to the Old Boys Association, under any guise.

“Education is a fundamental right, not a criminal reserve for those who can afford it. Public schools belong to the people.

“We believe that the challenges facing this college can be addressed through increased government funding, improved infrastructure, transparent management, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders, not by transferring the responsibility of public education to private entities.”

He said: “We, therefore, respectfully call on the government to immediately suspend the proposed concession and initiate genuine talks with all stakeholders.

“We also urge policymakers to prioritise investment in public education by providing adequate funding, local facilities, qualified teachers, and effective supervision”.

“Furthermore, we are calling the civil society organisation, labor union, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all lovers of quality education to lend their voices in protecting our public schools.”

The communique warned that concession would surely lead to increased fees and charges that many parents would not be able to afford, forcing children from low income families out of school.

Calling the process “shrouded in secrecy,” the PTA in the communique, demanded suspension of the proposal and engagement with stakeholders, saying “the future of our children should never be certified for commercial interest.” (NAN)

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