The Save Our Public Schools Initiative (SOPSI) has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as a covert plan by the Nigerian government to hand over the nation's 110 unity schools to private investors. The group has threatened to initiate legal proceedings to block any such move, citing potential violations of the constitution and existing educational policies.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, SOPSI's National Coordinator, Comrade Adeyinka Adeyemi, alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education has been quietly working on a framework to concession the schools to private entities. Adeyemi warned that this would undermine the federal character principle and exacerbate inequality in access to quality education.
Details of the Alleged Plan
According to SOPSI, the plan involves a public-private partnership (PPP) model under which private investors would manage the schools in exchange for long-term leases. The group claims that the ministry has already engaged consultants to draft the concession agreements, without due consultation with stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and civil society organizations.
"We have uncovered documents that show the ministry's intention to cede these schools to private investors. This is a direct assault on the constitutional provision that guarantees free and compulsory basic education," Adeyemi stated. He added that the move would commercialize education and make it unaffordable for many Nigerian families.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
SOPSI argues that the plan violates Section 18 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the government to provide equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels. The group also cites the Universal Basic Education Act, which prohibits the privatization of public schools without legislative approval.
"We will not hesitate to take the government to court if it proceeds with this illegal scheme. The unity schools are a national heritage and must remain under public control," Adeyemi declared. SOPSI has given the government a 14-day ultimatum to publicly renounce the plan or face a lawsuit.
Impact on Unity and Access
The 110 unity schools, established to promote national integration and provide high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds, currently enroll over 150,000 students. SOPSI warns that privatization could lead to increased tuition fees, selective admissions, and a decline in educational standards.
"These schools are supposed to be models of excellence and unity. Handing them over to profit-driven investors would destroy their character and exclude the poor," said Adeyemi. The group called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter and halt any further steps toward privatization.
Government's Response
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Education had not issued an official response to the allegations. However, sources within the ministry hinted that the government is exploring PPP options to improve infrastructure and reduce the financial burden on the state. SOPSI dismissed this as a pretext for privatization.
"If the government wants to improve infrastructure, it should allocate more funds to education, not sell off public assets. The budget for education has consistently been below the UNESCO-recommended 26% of national expenditure," Adeyemi noted.
Stakeholder Reactions
The National Parents Teachers Association (NPTA) has expressed solidarity with SOPSI, urging the government to prioritize investment in public schools rather than privatization. Similarly, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has warned that the plan would lead to job losses for thousands of teachers.
"We stand with SOPSI in opposing this dangerous policy. Unity schools are the backbone of our educational system and must be protected," said NPTA National Secretary, Dr. Fatima Bello.
The controversy comes amid broader debates about the state of education in Nigeria, where over 10 million children are out of school. Critics argue that privatization would worsen the crisis by diverting resources away from the poor.
SOPSI has vowed to mobilize nationwide protests if the government ignores its demands. The group is also exploring legal avenues to obtain a court injunction against any concession agreements.
