The Federal Government College (FGC) Kano, one of Nigeria's Unity Schools established in 1973 to foster national integration, is at the centre of the storm over a proposed concession of about 30 hectares of its land.
The virgin land, situated on the school premises, has been conceded to a private developer, Pluck Global Construction Company, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
The land lies within the 53-year-old institution, bordering Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to the north, Zaria Road to the east, and Unguwa Uku quarters to the south.
It is also believed to be valued at over N30bn due to its strategic location, making it a hotcake for private estate and commercial development.
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The land houses one of the school's football pitches used for Unity Schools inter-state competitions, the school's main mosque and the Christian students' chapel.
Alumni of the college argued that the land is part of the school's heritage and daily life, noting that ceding it for commercial development would erode the institution's legacy and expose it to security risks.
The PPP arrangement, according to documents, would see the land developed into residential housing and commercial buildings, pushing the main school buildings further back.
For many alumni, this represents not just a physical displacement but a symbolic erosion of the values Unity Schools are meant to uphold.
Why we ceded school land on PPP - Minister
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, laid the foundation for the projects in April 2026, describing them as part of the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope agenda.
She said the PPP arrangement was necessary to meet growing demands on infrastructure across Unity Schools.
"The government cannot spend over N8bn at once in just one school when we have over 120 federal government colleges," she explained.
Professor Ahmad argued that the deal reflects transparency and accountability, and urged the school community and alumni to take ownership of the projects. She said the initiative would transform the school into a national centre of excellence.
School alumni protest concession
The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA) has been vocal in its opposition to the government's plan, staging protests and issuing statements condemning the concession.
In a press statement dated April 6, 2026, FGCKOSA President, Shoyinka Shodunke, described the move as a destruction of a national educational legacy.
"Unity Schools were established as symbols of excellence, integration, and nation-building. Any action that diminishes their integrity reflects a troubling disregard for the power of education as a driver of national progress," he said.
FGCKOSA insists the concession is essentially a real estate project disguised as an educational initiative.
They argued that diverting federally-designated school land into private hands undermines the original purpose of Unity Schools.
The association warned that the land deal, reportedly worth N36bn, would leave the school with projects valued at only N8.5bn.
The alumni also cautioned members of the public against purchasing or investing in land tied to the project, warning that such transactions may be overturned and expose buyers to financial loss.
"We will not relent in pursuing all lawful and legal avenues to overturn this illegal arrangement," Shodunke declared.
Alumni members finger Kano govt, minister
Beyond the official protest, individual alumni have voiced strong opposition, recalling their personal experiences tied to the land.
Barrister Umar Shehu Tamburawa said the land was central to student life during his time at the college.
"Why we are kicking against this whole idea is because we have enjoyed those places when we were in school. It housed the main school football pitch we used during inter-house competitions to exercise our bodies. Even our dormitory is part of the land, so is our mosque. And that is a bad legacy," he said.
Tamburawa questioned the financial logic of the deal, alleging that land worth over N30bn was being exchanged for projects valued at N8.5bn.
"That doesn't make sense," he added, warning that the government and developers may not even deliver the promised projects.
Another alumnus, who preferred anonymity, expressed disappointment that the Minister of State for Education was being linked to the deal.
"We see Professor Suwaiba as a Kano indigene, but surprisingly, a lot of accusing fingers point at her that she could have a hand in it through her ministry. It is just unfortunate," the source said.
FGCKOSA National PRO, Aminu Maipampo, insisted that despite earlier denials, the state government had a hand in the plan.
He argued that at a time of population explosion, the school should be expanding its capacity with more classrooms, laboratories, and hostels, not ceding land to private users. "It is even a security threat," he said.
Maipampo recalled that since 2005, when Oby Ezekwesili was Minister of Education, alumni had requested to develop the land for school purposes but were denied.
He explained that the value of the land is currently more than N36bn, yet under the new arrangement, the school would only benefit from N8.5bn worth of projects while developers' pocket over N28bn.
"What we want as immediate action is the immediate suspension of this agreement because it is not in the school's best interest. Further negotiations could come back later," he said.
We followed due process - Developers
Pluck Global Construction Company, the private developer to which the concession was awarded, has defended the deal, insisting it followed due process and was designed to enhance the school's infrastructure.
The company's Managing Director, Musaddiq Ado Bala Talle, explained that the agreement was approved by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministerial Projects Approval Board.
He said the company would invest over N8bn in new facilities, including a skills acquisition centre, staff quarters, a modern female hostel, a comprehensive health centre, a sports complex, a corps members' lodge, and a staff common room.
Renovations, according to him, would cover 54 classrooms, science laboratories, hostels, the e-library and perimeter fencing.
"In return for this substantial investment, our company will receive 40 per cent of the approximately 33-hectare underutilised portion of the land as our return on investment. The remaining 60 per cent of the land, along with all improved facilities, will remain with the school," he said.
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Talle stressed that the developer would only take possession of the land upon completion of the project, adding that the initiative was not intended to undermine the school's legacy but to preserve it through modern infrastructure.
"This project will create a safer, more conducive learning environment and help secure the school's future through improved facilities and perimeter security," he said.
The company, registered as Pluck Global Company Ltd, was established in 2017 in Kano. Operating from its headquarters on Beirut Road, Kano, the firm describes itself as a multidisciplinary contractor involved in estate development, infrastructure engineering, and city planning.
Since its founding, the company said it has taken on projects focused on sustainable communities and resilient infrastructure, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Daily Trust is, however, unable to independently trace and verify some of the previous projects carried out by the company.
Kano gov't distances self from deal
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has distanced itself from the concession, denying any involvement in the arrangement.
Mustapha Muhammad, the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, said the college remains under the exclusive control of the Federal Ministry of Education.
"Any attempt to link the administration or associates of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the alleged transaction is misleading and unfounded," the CPS said.
The government urged media organisations to uphold accuracy and fairness, warning against speculative reports.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and the protection of public interest.
