Alumni Group Urges FG to Drop Unity Schools Privatisation Plan.

An alumni association of the Federal Government College (FGC), Ilorin, has urged the Federal Government to abandon any plans to privatise Federal Unity Colleges, warning that such a move would make quality education unaffordable for many Nigerian families.

Speaking during the inauguration of projects donated by the FGC Ilorin 1996 Set Alumni, the association's president, Barrister Chukwuyere Izuogu, said privatisation would deny children from low-income households access to affordable and quality education.

According to him, Unity Schools were established to provide equal educational opportunities for students from all parts of Nigeria, regardless of their financial background, and handing their management to private interests could undermine that objective.

Izuogu noted that while alumni support for schools should be encouraged, ownership or management should remain under the Federal Government to preserve affordability and inclusiveness.

He recalled that the affordable fees at FGC Ilorin enabled him to receive quality education despite coming from Delta State, stressing that many successful Nigerians share similar experiences.

The Director-Principal of the college, Dr. Agbo Paul, also appealed to the Federal Government to maintain the current ownership structure of Unity Schools. He warned that privatisation could lead to higher tuition fees, placing quality education beyond the reach of many parents.

As part of its reunion activities, the 1996 alumni set donated two solar-powered borehole systems, three 3D printing machines, and sports equipment to improve learning and students' welfare.

Receiving the projects, Dr. Paul praised the alumni for giving back to their alma mater, describing their contributions as a model worthy of emulation. He added that government, alumni associations, parents, and other stakeholders must continue working together to improve the nation's education sector.

The reunion planning committee said the projects, initially conceived several years ago, were designed to address the school's most pressing needs, particularly water supply and access to modern technology. Another alumnus, Abdulqodir Suleiman, also called on the Federal Government to sustain policies that guarantee affordable education for students living with disabilities.

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