The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has issued a stern warning to Principals of Unity Schools against engaging in or facilitating backdoor admissions.
Alausa stated this when he met with Principals of Federal Unity Colleges in Abuja on Wednesday.
He declared a zero-tolerance policy for over crowded admissions and further warned that strict consequences would follow any violation of the established quota system.
The Minister praised the role of unity schools in national cohesion but acknowledged systemic issues, particularly overcrowding:
“We are going to talk about overpopulation, which also leads into a problem with admission. I won’t use that word, admission like a cherry. I want to give you all the respect.
“But one thing I want you to know, please, from this academic session, none of you should have one more student more than your allotted current capacity. I will never send any student for you to admit. And I expect Honorable Minister of State to do the same thing.
“I expect Perm Sec. to do the same thing. So if anybody says minister has candidate, please, they’re not my candidate. If anyone admits more than one, you will not be the principal the next day. Let’s just be clear with ourselves.
“I will go and review, after you’ve completed your admission, I’m going to review each and every one of those admissions. If anyone admits more than one student beyond your current capacity, you will not be the principal the following day. So I don’t want to say directors of the ministry are sending names to you”, he said.
On her part, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad said the Unity Colleges were symbols of national integration, academic excellence, and discipline.
Ahmad however lamented that the institutions had faced increasing pressure on their infrastructure due to population growth, limited budgetary allocations, and evolving educational demands.
“It is against this backdrop that we have convened this meeting to explore alternate and innovative funding mechanisms that can complement government efforts in addressing the infrastructure gaps in our secondary schools using the Federal unity colleges as a model.
“We must move beyond reliance on traditional budgetary allocations and seek strategic partnerships, alumni engagement, community support, and public-private partnerships.
“Today’s dialogue is therefore not only timely but essential. It presents an opportunity for us to share ideas, experiences, and practical strategies that can drive progress and sustainability in the development of our Federal Unity Colleges”, she said.
