The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of King’s College, Lagos, has opposed the proposed handover of the 116-year-old Federal Government college to the King’s College Old Boys’ Association, warning that the move could affect affordable access to quality public education and alter the institution’s public identity.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the association’s Annual General Meeting and jointly signed by its Chairman, Peter Oluwaleye, and Secretary, Balogun A. O.
According to the PTA, transferring the management of the college to the Old Boys’ Association could undermine the founding principles of the institution, which was established to provide affordable and accessible education to Nigerian children regardless of their social or economic background.
The King’s College Old Boys’ Association had earlier announced that the Federal Government approved a new governance framework for the college, describing it as the beginning of a “King’s College Renaissance.”
Its President, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, however, maintained that the arrangement was neither a sale nor privatisation of the school, but a partnership with the Federal Government aimed at restoring, modernising and sustaining the institution.
But the PTA argued that education is a fundamental right and not a privilege for those who can afford it, expressing concern that the proposed arrangement could lead to increased school fees and other charges beyond the reach of many families.
“The PTA strongly opposes the proposed handover of the college to a group parading themselves as KCOBs.
“The association believes that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. Public schools belong to the people. King’s College, Lagos, was established to provide affordable, accessible and qualitative education for every child, regardless of family income or social background.
“Education should be within the reach of everyone. The association is deeply concerned that the proposed arrangement will surely lead to increased school fees and other charges that many parents will not be able to afford. This will ultimately force children from low-income families out of school, widening the gap between the rich and the poor and denying many children their constitutional right to education,” the communiqué stated.
While noting that it was not against private investment in education, the PTA said it rejected any arrangement that could undermine accessibility, affordability, equity and public interest.
The association also faulted what it described as the secrecy surrounding the proposal, saying key stakeholders, including parents, teachers and members of the host community, were not adequately consulted before the plan emerged.
It maintained that decisions affecting students’ education and welfare should involve broad consultation and participation from relevant stakeholders.
The PTA argued that if inadequate funding was the reason behind the proposed arrangement, the challenges facing the college should instead be addressed through increased government funding, improved infrastructure, transparent management and stronger stakeholder engagement.
According to the association, parents have consistently invested their time, resources and commitment in supporting the college and remain willing to make further sacrifices to improve the institution.
The PTA therefore called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed handover and begin genuine consultations with all stakeholders before taking any decision.
“The association therefore respectfully calls on the government to immediately suspend the proposed handover and initiate genuine dialogue with all stakeholders.
“It also urges policymakers to prioritise in…
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