The Federal Government has approved the concession of King’s College, Lagos, to the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA), paving the way for a new management partnership aimed at revitalising one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected secondary schools.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, KCOBA President, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, described the approval as a historic milestone in the institution’s 116-year history and the beginning of what he termed the “King’s College Renaissance.”
He explained that the arrangement does not amount to the sale or privatisation of the college but introduces a new governance model under which the alumni association will collaborate with the Federal Government to restore, modernise and sustainably manage the institution.
Ibrahim-Imam noted that King’s College, founded in 1909, has produced generations of distinguished Nigerians across public service, law, business, medicine, engineering, academia and other sectors. However, he acknowledged that years of declining infrastructure and outdated facilities had made major intervention necessary.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the initiative and commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for supporting the reform.
According to him, the school’s federal character will remain unchanged, with admissions continuing to reflect Nigeria’s diversity regardless of ethnicity, religion or socio-economic background.
Addressing concerns over affordability, the KCOBA president assured parents that the school would not become an exclusive institution for the wealthy. Instead, he announced the establishment of a ₦100 billion Collegium Fund to finance the transformation project without transferring the financial burden to families.
The association also unveiled a comprehensive development plan built on seven key areas, including governance reforms, infrastructure upgrades, teacher capacity development, digital transformation, academic excellence, leadership training and the integration of the college’s main campus with its annexe.
As part of the infrastructure renewal programme, KCOBA plans to renovate classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, healthcare facilities, sports centres and sanitation systems while promoting environmentally sustainable campus development.
The technology component of the initiative includes the introduction of artificial intelligence-assisted learning, robotics laboratories, digital libraries, broadband internet access, coding programmes, innovation hubs, electronic administration and a modern learning management system.
Ibrahim-Imam said the long-term objective is to position King’s College among the world’s leading secondary schools by strengthening STEM education, entrepreneurship, research, sports, music, debating and international partnerships.
He further announced the creation of the King’s College Education Trust to oversee governance and ensure the institution’s long-term sustainability.
The initiative will be led by prominent Nigerians, including elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, who will serve as President of King’s College Lagos and Chairman of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. Businessman Sunny Kuku will serve as Vice President of the college and Vice Chairman of the trust.
The ₦100 billion transformation fund will be chaired by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, with businessman Atedo Peterside serving as Vice Chairman. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki was also named among the project’s key leaders.
Demonstrating his personal commitment, Ibrahim-Imam announced a donation of ₦1 billion on behalf of himself, his family and friends, while Chief Philip Asiodu and Alhaji Femi Okunnu each contributed ₦100 million towards the initiative.
He called on alumni, corporate organisations, development partners and philanthropists to support the transformation effort through financial contributions, mentorship and professional expertise, describing the project as an investment in Nigeria’s future leaders.
