Tensions rise at King’s College as police intervene in PPP protest

Operations were halted at King’s College, Lagos, on Tuesday as protesting staff, parents, and union members blocked the main gates to oppose a proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) management model for the historic institution.

The demonstration erupted during the commencement of the college’s anniversary celebrations. Chanting solidarity songs, protesters locked out representatives of the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA), including its president, Sir Kazeem Ibrahim-Imam.

Security operatives, led by Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani, arrived to maintain order and prevent potential disruption by hoodlums. While officers gained access through a rear entrance to open the front gates, CP Tijani advised the KCOBA delegation to postpone their entry.

He disclosed that a multi-stakeholder reconciliation meeting had been scheduled for Wednesday to resolve the impasse. Representatives of the Oba of Lagos were also on site to appeal for calm.

The dispute highlights sharp divisions over the administration and future funding of the federal institution.

Addressing journalists at the scene, KCOBA President, Sir Kazeem Ibrahim-Imam, refuted claims of a commercial takeover, clarifying that the Federal Government is not selling the institution. He explained that the PPP framework is designed to rehabilitate deteriorating infrastructure, double salaries for remaining teaching staff, and keep tuition rates unchanged.

He added that Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa had guaranteed seamless transfers for any staff members opting out of the arrangement.

Conversely, protest leaders rejected the proposal, describing it as disguised privatization.

Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, Andrew Emelieze, insisted that funding public education remains a core government duty and called King’s College a vital national heritage.

He urged the old boys’ association to develop new institutions independently rather than acquire an existing public facility, warning that demonstrations would persist until the Federal Government withdraws the PPP plan.