Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Sir Rowland Owie, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the concession of Kings College, Lagos, to the school’s old boys’ association.

Owie described the development as a worrying decision, arguing that federal Unity Schools remain important national institutions that promote unity and shared identity among Nigerians.

The controversy surrounding the concession has also reportedly triggered industrial action by staff of Unity Schools across the country.

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Those opposed to the arrangement have raised concerns that the concession could represent an indirect move towards privatising the federal institution.

Reacting to the development in a statement, Owie urged the Federal Government to reverse the decision, stressing that Unity Schools should remain accessible as public institutions.

The former senator argued that the schools represent some of the remaining symbols of national integration and should therefore be protected from policies that could undermine their public character.

According to Owie, the concession of Kings College raises broader questions about the government’s approach to public education and the future of federal Unity Schools.

 Owie Demands Reversal of Kings College Concession

Owie expressed particular concern about the implications of transferring management or control of a federal school to a private or non-governmental body.

He argued that such a development could undermine the original objectives behind the establishment of Unity Schools.

The former Senate Chief Whip also linked his criticism to the historical development of free education in Nigeria, particularly in the former Western Region.

He questioned the appropriateness of a government associated with that history pursuing what he considers a policy capable of weakening public education.

Owie said the policy should be reconsidered immediately in the interest of preserving national unity and ensuring that public education remains available to Nigerians.

His criticism comes against the backdrop of growing concerns among education workers and other stakeholders over the future administration of Unity Schools.

The reported strike by staff across the country has added another dimension to the controversy, potentially affecting academic activities and raising concerns among students and parents.

The dispute over Kings College also reflects a broader debate about the management of public institutions in Nigeria.

Supporters of concessions may argue that alternative management arrangements can improve efficiency and administration, while critics often raise concerns about affordability, accountability and the potential erosion of public ownership.

For Owie, however, the issue goes beyond the management of a single institution.

He believes Unity Schools have a strategic role in promoting interaction among students from different parts of the country and strengthening the bonds of national integration.

The former lawmaker therefore called for the immediate reversal of the policy.

He maintained that protecting the public character of Unity Schools would help preserve their role in sustaining Nigeria’s unity.

The controversy is expected to continue as education workers, government authorities and other stakeholders consider the implications of the Kings College concession.

The Federal Government’s position on the concerns raised by Owie and other critics will likely remain central to the debate over the future of the institution and other Unity Schools.

As discussions continue, attention is focused on whether the government will review the concession arrangement or maintain its position on the management of Kings College.

For now, Owie has joined the voices calling for a reconsideration of the policy, insisting that the preservation of Unity Schools should remain a national priority.