By Adesina Wahab
The Zonal Chairmen of the Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs) of Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria have rejected plans by the Federal Government to privatise or concession the nation’s Unity Schools, describing the proposal as a threat to affordable quality education, national integration and the future of millions of Nigerian children.
In a statement issued by the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Parent-Teacher Association of Federal Unity Schools, Mr. Somefun Ayopo, the group urged the Federal Government to abandon any plan to sell or concession the schools.
The PTAs said they had closely followed reports of the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, and expressed support for the position of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), which had opposed the move.
“We have followed with keen interest the recent reports regarding the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, and the concerns expressed by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
“After careful consideration, we fully align ourselves with the position of the ASCSN and call on the Federal Government to immediately suspend any policy that may lead to the privatisation of Federal Unity Schools,” the statement said.
The association noted that Unity Schools were established to promote national integration by bringing together children from different ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
According to the group, the schools have, for more than five decades, produced distinguished leaders in government, business, academia, medicine, engineering, the military and other sectors.
The PTAs warned that privatisation would inevitably lead to a sharp increase in school fees, making quality education inaccessible to children from low- and middle-income families.
“Privatising these schools will inevitably result in exorbitant school fees, placing quality education beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. The children of civil servants, farmers, artisans, traders and other low- and middle-income families will be the greatest victims,” the statement added.
The group also expressed concern that privatisation could lead to job losses or unfavourable employment conditions for teaching and non-teaching staff who have served the institutions for many years.
It further warned that commercial interests could gradually replace the educational values upon which the schools were founded.
“These schools are national assets and must never become profit-making ventures,” the association said.
Rather than privatise the institutions, the PTAs urged the Federal Government to increase investment in the education sector by rehabilitating infrastructure, improving learning facilities, recruiting more qualified teachers, strengthening security and enhancing staff welfare.
The group also called on old students’ associations, corporate organisations, development partners and philanthropists to continue supporting Unity Schools through infrastructure development, scholarships, research and other educational initiatives without taking over their ownership or management.
“As representatives of parents whose children are directly affected, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the integrity and accessibility of Unity Schools. We are prepared to work with the Federal Government and all stakeholders to strengthen these schools rather than dismantle one of Nigeria’s most successful educational institutions,” the statement said.
The PTAs also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Education, members of the National Assembly, organised labour, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, alumni associations and other stakeholders to oppose any attempt to privatise or concession the schools.
“Let us preserve this priceless national heritage. Let us protect affordable quality education. Let us strengthen, not sell, the institutions that have united generations of Nigerians.
“Unity Schools are not for sale. They are a national legacy that must be protected for generations yet unborn,” the association stated.
