Nigerian Labour Union Urges Tinubu to Halt Unity Schools Concession Plan
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop plans to concession federal unity schools under a public-private partnership model, citing concerns over privatization and stakeholder exclusion.
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Nigeria's Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt plans to concession the country's 120 Federal Government Colleges under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. The union opposes the proposed handover of unity schools to private entities, warning it could undermine public education.
ASCSN argues the plan, reportedly backed by Old Boys Associations, excludes key stakeholders and risks privatizing institutions meant to promote national integration. The union says the initiative threatens job security and educational equity. "We urge the President to reject this move," a statement said, citing widespread opposition among civil servants, teachers, and parents.
Organised labour, supported by parent and teacher groups, has backed the call. Business Day reported that ASCSN, with broad-based support, is prepared to take further action if the government proceeds. The union insists unity schools should remain under federal oversight to preserve their mandate.
The federal government has not issued an official statement on the status of the PPP proposal. However, growing resistance from public sector unions signals potential challenges to implementation. Unity schools, established to foster national cohesion, admit students from across Nigeria’s states.