By Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
The Federal Government College Kano (FGC Kano) is embroiled in a controversy over a proposed 30-hectare land concession to a private company, Pluck Global Company Ltd., under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The FGC Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA) has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging lack of transparency and stakeholder exclusion in the deal.
The association argues that the concession would divert educational land for commercial real estate development, threatening student safety and the institution’s future growth. FGCKOSA also questions why FGC Kano’s land was chosen when Kano State has abundant alternative land for development.
The proposed project, valued at ₦36.26 billion, involves constructing residential and commercial units near the school, which FGCKOSA claims would disrupt the academic environment and pose security risks. The association has launched a ₦5 billion development fund to support infrastructure and academic excellence, demonstrating its commitment to FGC Kano’s growth.
FGCKOSA has demanded full disclosure of all agreements with Pluck Global Company Ltd., including approval processes and contractual terms. The association warns that if the deal is found to lack proper authorization, it will pursue legal action and escalate the matter to anti-corruption agencies.
The Federal Ministry of Education has not responded to the allegations, despite FGCKOSA’s petition and public outcry. The association has called on President Tinubu to immediately halt the project and order a full review of the concession process.
Pluck Global Company Ltd. is co-owned by Musaddiq Ado Bala Talle, a close associate of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Talle is also a member of the 17-member Strategic Committee tasked with developing the state’s Five-Year Multi-Sectoral Investment Strategic Plan, raising concerns about possible political influence in the transaction.
FGCKOSA insists that the land earmarked for the project is not idle but a critical part of the school’s structure, including sports fields and open areas reserved for future expansion. The association argues that the concession would undermine the institution’s long-term survival and compromise its integrity.
The controversy highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in government dealings, particularly in the education sector. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are watching closely to ensure that the interests of FGC Kano and its students are protected.
Would you like to know more about the government’s response to FGCKOSA’s petition or the implications of this controversy for FGC Kano’s students and alumni?
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