As debates over the future of Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges continue, members of the Federal Government College (FGC), Ilorin, Class of 1996 Alumni Association have warned that privatising the schools could shut the doors of quality education to children from low-income families.
The alumni made the appeal on Thursday during their reunion at the college, where they commissioned two solar-powered borehole systems, three 3D printing machines and sports kits donated to support teaching and learning.
Speaking at the event, President of the association, Chukwuyere Izuogu, said government ownership has remained the foundation of the affordability and accessibility that have distinguished Unity Schools for decades.
His comments followed concerns raised by the Director-Principal of the college over reports of a proposed takeover of Federal Unity Colleges by alumni associations.
“He has raised a very valid point. I am aware that the King’s College Old Boys Association proposed taking over the school, but once private interests become dominant, many indigent students may no longer have access to such opportunities,” Izuogu said.
Drawing from his personal experience, he explained that affordable education at FGC Ilorin gave him opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.
“I am a practical example. One of the reasons I left Warri in Delta State to attend FGC Ilorin, a place I had never visited before, was because the education here was affordable. At that time, our major expenses were simply academic books.
“One of the greatest strengths of Unity Schools is that they provide equal opportunities for students from every part of Nigeria. Personally, I do not support privatisation because it could deny many young Nigerians the opportunity that shaped our own future. We want everyone to continue benefiting from this system,” he added.
Earlier, the Director-Principal of the college, Dr. Agbo Paul, also appealed to the Federal Government to retain the current ownership structure of Federal Unity Colleges.
According to him, allowing private interests to manage the schools could make quality education unaffordable for many Nigerian families.
“It was recently reported that the Honourable Minister of Education had approved the request by King’s College old students to take over the management of their school. That report generated widespread reactions because Federal Unity Schools remain among the few institutions in Nigeria that provide quality and affordable education for children from different socio-economic backgrounds,” Paul said.
“If these schools are privatised, education may become unaffordable for many parents because private operators are primarily driven by profit. School fees would inevitably rise beyond the reach of many families. We therefore appeal to the Federal Government not to privatise the Unity Schools,” he added.
Beyond the advocacy, the reunion also highlighted the alumni’s commitment to giving back to their alma mater.
The association donated two solar-powered borehole systems to improve water supply in the boys’ and girls’ hostels, three 3D printing machines to strengthen technology education, and sports kits for students.
Explaining the motivation behind the intervention, Izuogu said members considered it a responsibility to support the institution that shaped their future.
“We are here to give back to the educational institution that made us who we are today. Many of us travelled from different parts of the world to be here. Returning today to give back to the school is deeply emotional because FGC Ilorin remains an integral part of who we are,” he said.
He noted that the 3D printing machines, donated through the support of United States-based alumnus Shola Adekanyin, would …
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