A major controversy has broken out over the alleged covert transfer of about 30 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College, Kano, with claims that officials in the Federal Ministry of Education collaborated with politically connected individuals to execute the deal.
The Old Students Association of the college has formally petitioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for urgent intervention to stop what it describes as a secretive concession of federal school property for private commercial development.
At the heart of the dispute is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) land swap reportedly finalized by the ministry. Documents reviewed by concerned stakeholders suggest that the agreement has already been concluded, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for April 6 — a move that has intensified concerns over the speed and lack of transparency surrounding the process.
Alumni members insist the transaction was carried out without due process, alleging there was no public bidding, advertisement, or consultation with key stakeholders, including the association.
They argue that the land is a critical part of the school’s infrastructure, housing sports facilities and open spaces earmarked for future expansion — assets considered essential for the institution’s long-term growth.
Tensions escalated further following revelations about the private firm involved, Pluck Global Company Ltd. The company is reportedly co-owned by Musaddiq Ado Bala Talle, a known associate of Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Talle also serves on the 17-member Strategic Committee responsible for drafting Kano State’s Five-Year Multi-Sectoral Investment Plan (2025–2029), raising concerns among stakeholders about possible political influence in the deal.
Reacting to the development, FGCKOSA President, Shoyinka Shodunke, said the alumni body was completely excluded from the process despite its long-standing contributions to the school’s development. He emphasized that former students have invested heavily in infrastructure and academic support over the years without claiming ownership of any part of the institution’s land.
Shodunke warned that the proposed concession threatens the legacy of unity schools, suggesting it reflects a growing shift from education-focused priorities to profit-driven motives.
Beyond ownership issues, the association also expressed concern about safety and planning implications. It cautioned that introducing a mixed-use development near the school could expose students to security risks and disrupt the learning environment.
The group further questioned the rationale behind the project, noting that Kano State has ample land available for real estate development without encroaching on educational facilities.
