The Federal Government has moved to end speculation over the future of King’s College Lagos, insisting that the King’s College Lagos concession does not amount to a sale or privatisation of the 117-year-old institution.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that the government would retain legal ownership of the school while the King’s College Old Boys’ Association takes responsibility for major investments, rehabilitation, operations and maintenance under the Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
Alausa’s clarification was contained in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, on Friday.
According to the minister, the agreement allows KCOBA to provide the financial and management resources needed to modernise the institution without taking over its legal ownership.
He said the government would continue to exercise its regulatory and monitoring responsibilities, including inspections, enforcement and oversight of the school.
The King’s College Lagos concession also covers extensive infrastructure upgrades. KCOBA is expected to fund and implement improvements involving classrooms, hostels, laboratories, libraries, staff quarters, dining facilities, health centres, utilities and sporting infrastructure.
The project will also introduce improved learning resources and digital tools as part of efforts to strengthen the school’s academic and operational capacity.
Alausa further assured parents and members of the King’s College community that admission arrangements would remain subject to the existing policies for Federal Unity Colleges.
JSS1 admission, he said, would continue to involve testing and assessment, with the National Common Entrance Examination remaining part of the prescribed process.
The minister also addressed concerns about school fees, stating that the agreement does not automatically require an increase in fees. However, it also does not provide for a permanent freeze on fees.
On the welfare of teachers and other employees, the government said a Staff Transition and Protection Framework had been incorporated into the agreement to support an orderly transition.
Existing obligations relating to salaries, arrears, pensions, gratuities and other staff entitlements arising before the transition would remain the responsibility of the government unless otherwise assumed under the agreement.
Following the transition, KCOBA would handle relevant operating costs for personnel engaged under the project, in line with their contracts and applicable laws.
The government will also retain mechanisms for monitoring the concession through performance indicators, inspections, audits, reporting requirements and independent verification.
Alausa said corrective measures and step-in powers were available to the government if there were serious contractual breaches or persistent underperformance.
He added that KCOBA would not be free to dispose of concession assets without the necessary approvals, while the agreement prohibits asset stripping and deterioration beyond agreed standards.
The minister described the arrangement as an effort to preserve King’s College’s heritage while addressing its infrastructure and operational challenges.
He urged Nigerians and members of the school community to assess the King’s College Lagos concession based on its implementation, transparency, investment commitments and the results ultimately delivered.
The Federal Government maintained that the goal is to strengthen the historic institution for future generations while preserving its public character and national identity.
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