The controversy surrounding a proposed land concession at Federal Government College Kano has intensified, as alumni of the institution mount pressure on the Federal Government to immediately halt the project. At the centre of the dispute is an alleged N8 billion Public Private Partnership arrangement involving a portion of the school’s land, a move that former students argue threatens the legacy, safety, and future expansion of one of Nigeria’s foremost unity schools.
The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association has taken a firm stance, describing the deal as opaque, exclusionary, and potentially harmful to the institution’s long-term development. Their demand is clear: cancel the concession and prioritise education over commercial interests.
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FGC Kano Alumni Raise Concerns Over Lack of Transparency and Due Process
According to multiple reports and documents circulating within the alumni network, the proposed concession was executed without proper consultation with key stakeholders, particularly the alumni body that has historically contributed significantly to the school’s development.
The association insists that the process failed to meet basic transparency standards expected in public infrastructure deals. They argue that there was no open bidding, no public advertisement, and no meaningful engagement with stakeholders before the agreement was finalised.
In a formal petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the alumni described the project as a “defining moment” for the future of the college, warning that allowing such a deal to proceed unchecked could set a dangerous precedent for other unity schools across Nigeria.
What has further heightened suspicion is the speed at which the project appears to have progressed. Reports indicate that a groundbreaking ceremony had already been scheduled, suggesting that the agreement may have been concluded behind closed doors.
For many stakeholders, this raises critical questions about governance, accountability, and the role of public institutions in safeguarding educational assets.
Fears Over Commercialisation of Educational Land
Beyond procedural concerns, the FGC Kano Alumni have expressed deep unease about the nature of the proposed development. The land in question reportedly includes key areas within the school, such as open spaces and sports facilities, which are essential for student life and future expansion.
They argue that converting such spaces into commercial real estate undermines the very purpose for which the land was originally acquired. Unity schools like Federal Government College Kano were established to promote national integration, academic excellence, and holistic development, not to serve as sites for profit-driven ventures.
The association also warned that introducing a mixed-use commercial estate within or near the school environment could disrupt academic activities and expose students to avoidable risks.
From a planning perspective, critics question why educational land is being targeted for development when alternative land is readily available in Kano State. They see the move as unnecessary and misaligned with national educational priorities.
FGC Kano Alumni Highlight Contributions and Offer Alternative Solutions
One of the strongest arguments put forward by the alumni is their long-standing financial and developmental support for the institution. Over the past three decades, members of the association have collectively invested billions of naira in infrastructure, academic programmes, and student welfare initiatives.
Rather than ceding land to private developers, the alumni believe that internal and community-driven funding models can adequately support the school’s growth. In fact, the association recently established a dedicated foundation aimed at mobilising additional resources for development, with plans to raise billions of naira for future projects.
This, they argue, demonstrates that viable alternatives exist without compromising the integrity of the school’s land or exposing it to commercial exploitation.
The group has also emphasised that any development involving school property should prioritise educational value and align with the institution’s long-term vision. Anything short of that, they insist, amounts to a betrayal of the school’s legacy.
Call for Presidential Intervention and National Reflection
In light of the growing controversy, the alumni have called on President Tinubu to intervene decisively by cancelling the concession and ordering a comprehensive review of the process.
Their appeal goes beyond the immediate issue, touching on broader questions about Nigeria’s commitment to education. At a time when many countries are investing heavily in expanding educational infrastructure, the idea of reducing available space in an established institution has been widely criticised.
The association has also warned potential investors to exercise caution, noting that the project is under dispute and could face legal challenges if found to have violated due process.
As the debate continues, the situation at Federal Government College Kano has become a symbol of a larger national conversation about how public assets, especially those tied to education, should be managed. For many observers, the outcome of this case could shape policy decisions and public trust for years to come.
The coming days will be critical, as stakeholders await the Federal Government’s response to the growing calls for accountability, transparency, and the protection of Nigeria’s educational institutions.
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