The Federal Ministry of Education has launched 18 new projects worth over N8.5 billion at Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Speaking at the official launch on Monday, Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, said the projects use a land-swap PPP model to leverage private-sector efficiency, optimise public assets, and deliver value for money.
“The initiative is not just about infrastructure; it is about impact,” Ahmad said. “It covers 18 critical facilities, including a skill acquisition and entrepreneurship centre, modern hostels, staff quarters, a health centre, and other essential infrastructure, alongside renovations of 14 academic and sports facilities. The integrated approach ensures expansion and revitalisation meet global standards.”
She added that FGC Kano was chosen deliberately for the intervention, describing it as a Unity College that promotes national cohesion, excellence, and inclusivity. Ahmad commended project partners, Pluck Global Nigeria Limited, for their collaboration.
Alumni Petition for Transparency
However, the project has faced formal resistance from the school’s alumni. The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA) submitted a petition demanding clarity on the PPP arrangement and its terms.
Co-signed by FGCKOSA president Shoyinka Shodunke and secretary Aliyu Adamu, the petition expressed concern over the transparency of the land transaction. The letter, received by the Ministry on March 30, questioned whether the PPP exists and requested copies of approval documents and the terms of the concession.
The alumni also warned against potential misuse of school land and emphasized the need for developments to serve the long-term academic interests of the institution.
Government and Developer Response
Kano State Commissioner for Land, Abduljabbar Garko, affirmed the state’s support for the initiative, stressing the importance of utilising idle land for productive projects. He encouraged the project promoters to engage stakeholders and ensure quality infrastructure that could serve as a national benchmark.
Musaddiq Talle, Managing Director of Pluck Global Nigeria Limited, said the project would be completed within 18 months on 10 hectares of land under the PPP. “The government alone cannot fund this infrastructure. Through the PPP, private investors provide funding in exchange for land. It is a future-focused project benefiting students and other stakeholders,” he said.
The launch concluded with cultural performances by students, highlighting the school’s heritage while marking the beginning of the ambitious development programme.
