The federal government on Monday launched an N8.5bn Public-Private Partnership project at the Federal Government College, Kano, aimed at upgrading infrastructure in the institution, amid protest by its alumni over the land swap arrangement.
The project, being executed in partnership with Pluck Global Company Limited, involves the development of 18 new infrastructure assets and the renovation of 15 existing facilities to reposition the college as a centre of excellence.
The planned facilities include students’ hostels, an information and communication technology centre, indoor sports complex, skills acquisition centre, clinic, staff quarters and a corps members’ lounge, among others.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Enitan Abel, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Murtala Tanko, said the initiative was designed to address infrastructure gaps in unity colleges through innovative funding.
He noted that the PPP land swap model would leverage private sector expertise and financing to improve the learning environment and ensure sustainability.
“Today’s event marks a major step in the federal government’s efforts to revitalise the education sector and reposition unity colleges as centres of excellence,” he said.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said the project aligns with the federal government’s reform agenda, adding that it would enhance teaching and learning through modern facilities.
She said: “Government alone cannot fund such large-scale infrastructure across over 100 unity colleges. The PPP model provides a viable option to bridge the gap while ensuring value for money and accountability.”
Managing Director of Pluck Global, Muzadiq Talle, said the firm would deliver the project within 18 months, adding that about 10 hectares of land had been earmarked under the swap arrangement.
He explained that the initiative would boost investor confidence and demonstrate the capacity of local firms to handle large-scale infrastructure projects.
Also, the Kano State government, represented by the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Garko, expressed support for the project but called for wider stakeholder engagement to address public concerns.
However, members of the Federal Government College, Kano, Old Students Association staged a protest, opposing the concession of part of the school’s land.
The association’s President, Shoyinka Shodunke, described the move as a threat to the institution’s legacy and called on President Bola Tinubu to halt the project.
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“This amounts to commercialising educational assets and undermines the core mandate of unity schools,” he said.
He added that the alumni had invested heavily in the college over the years and could mobilise alternative funding without conceding land.
The association also warned potential investors against participating in the project, saying it was under dispute and could face legal challenge.
It vowed to take legal action to stop the concession, insisting on preserving the integrity of the institution.
