Aggrieved parents on Tuesday blocked members of the King’s College Old Boys Association from entering the school premises in Lagos over the Federal Government’s proposed concession of the institution.
The parents formed a human barricade at the school’s main gate despite the presence of policemen led by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai.
The old boys, led by their president, Kassim Imam Ibrahim, had planned to brief journalists on the controversy surrounding the Federal Government’s decision to hand over the management of the college to the association.
Unable to enter the premises, Ibrahim addressed journalists outside the school in a rowdy atmosphere.
He dismissed claims that the association intended to acquire the college, stressing that the Federal Executive Council only approved the transfer of its management.
According to him, the government is not selling the school and the association has no plan to increase school fees.
Ibrahim said the old boys were primarily interested in rehabilitating the college’s facilities, which he described as dilapidated at both the main campus in Onikan and the annex on Victoria Island.
He also said the association would not sack teachers or other workers, adding that those who remain would have their salaries doubled.
“Whoever wants to go can join other unity colleges in Lagos,” he said.
In a statement on behalf of the association’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, SAN, the old boys said they were not seeking ownership of the institution.
“King’s College is not for sale. We are returning to serve it — to help manage, support and rebuild the institution that shaped generations of Nigerians,” the statement said.
However, the parents remained opposed to the arrangement.
A former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Oyo State, Andrew Emelieze, who spoke on their behalf, questioned why the Federal Government would concession King’s College and other unity schools.
He argued that the old boys could contribute funds for projects at the school without taking over its management.
Emelieze also questioned why old boys of other federal institutions, including military schools, were not seeking similar management arrangements.
Meanwhile, CP Fatai urged both sides to embrace dialogue, warning that it would be unwise for the old boys to force their way into the school.
He said the police would continue to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Also on Tuesday, a meeting between Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Association of Senior Civil Servants scheduled to discuss the issue in Abuja was postponed to 4pm on Wednesday.