LAGOS — Once the pride of Nigeria’s education system, the 104 Federal Government Colleges—better known as Unity Schools—are now grappling with severe challenges that threaten their very existence. A Vanguard investigation has uncovered a troubling reality: dilapidated infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, underfunded operations, and even disease outbreaks.
Diphtheria Outbreak at King’s College
The prestigious King’s College in Lagos, once a beacon of academic excellence, is now at the center of a health crisis. A diphtheria outbreak has left several students hospitalized and tragically claimed one life. The outbreak is linked to unsanitary conditions and overcrowded dormitories, exposing the dire state of the school’s facilities.
In response, the school swiftly launched an immunization drive, requiring parents to sign consent forms for their children. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) confirmed the situation, stating that the outbreak is now under control and preventive measures, including mandatory face masks, are in place.
The Downfall of Unity Colleges: From Excellence to Struggle
The Unity Schools were originally established to foster national unity by bringing together students from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. They date back to the colonial era, with the first institutions set up in the 1920s. However, in recent decades, these schools have suffered from chronic underfunding, leading to a downward spiral in academic standards and student welfare.
Despite increased tuition fees from N45,000 to N100,000 in 2023, financial constraints continue to plague the schools. Budget allocations often fall short, with some schools receiving as little as 36% of their approved funds in previous years.
Overcrowded Classrooms, Hostels, and Failing Infrastructure
The increasing student population, without a matching expansion in facilities, has stretched these schools beyond their limits. In some colleges, classrooms designed for 40 students now accommodate 55 or more. Similarly, hostel rooms meant for eight students now house up to 12, making basic sanitation and privacy impossible.
A student at the Federal Government College in Enugu revealed the appalling living conditions: “We don’t have proper toilet facilities. Many students defecate in plastic bags and dispose of them in the bush.”
Power Outages and Poor Learning Conditions
Power supply is another major issue. At King’s College, students endured eight months without electricity because the school owed over N70 million to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company. The reliance on alternative power sources has made learning even more challenging.
Teachers Underpaid, PTA Fees Soar
The shortage of qualified teachers has led to an overreliance on Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) hires, who earn as little as N40,000 per month. In some cases, mismanagement of PTA funds has resulted in disputes, with parents accusing school authorities of corruption.
Parents Speak Out
Parents have taken to social media and PTA meetings to express their frustration. One Lagos parent lamented: “The PTA levy keeps increasing, but the feeding and infrastructure keep getting worse. We now pay N10,000, and they’re considering raising it to N13,000, yet we don’t see improvements.”
Another parent in Plateau State said, “The schools used to be models of discipline and excellence. Now, they are neglected, and students suffer.”
Government Promises a Turnaround
In response to the growing concerns, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa assured the public that Unity Schools will be restored to their former glory. “These colleges are national legacies, and we will not let them decay. The Tinubu administration is committed to fixing the issues and ensuring these schools live up to their purpose,” he said.
The Ministry plans to collaborate with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to secure more funding and rehabilitate failing infrastructure. However, with years of neglect to reverse, only time will tell if these promises will translate into meaningful change.
The Future of Unity Schools: A Call for Action
For many Nigerians, the decline of Unity Schools is not just an educational crisis—it is a national embarrassment. Restoring these institutions requires not just government intervention but also transparency, proper funding allocation, and active involvement from all stakeholders.
Unless urgent steps are taken, the dream of a truly unified and quality-driven education system may remain just that—a dream.
