By Charles Pemu 
Federal Unity Colleges, once esteemed as beacons of public education in Nigeria, are now the subject of widespread outrage as shocking allegations of admission fraud, illegal fee collections, and unchecked Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) power rock multiple institutions across Lagos State.
From King’s College and Queen’s College to Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, and Federal Government College, Ijanikin, frustrated parents have come forward with disturbing claims that threaten to undermine the very integrity of these federal schools.
Parents Speak Out: Admission Racketeering on the Rise
Several parents have reported being forced to pay up to N600,000 to secure admission for their children — even when the students had achieved the required academic benchmarks.
“This is the worst we’ve ever seen. Merit no longer matters. It’s all about money now. Parents are left with no choice but to play along or risk their children being denied access,” said one parent, requesting anonymity.
The overwhelming demand for Unity Colleges in Lagos, due to their limited intake and historic reputation, has reportedly fueled a lucrative underground market for placements.
PTAs Operating Beyond Their Mandate
Another major source of concern is the increasing financial burden placed on parents through unauthorized levies orchestrated by PTA bodies. Parents claim that PTAs are now functioning like alternative administrations, imposing charges and making decisions far beyond their intended advisory roles.
In a formal petition addressed to the Minister of Education, parents of students at Queen’s College revealed that the PTA had imposed a termly levy of N21,500, a clear violation of federal guidelines, which set the maximum PTA levy at N12,000.
They noted that the PTA has assumed critical administrative functions, including the hiring of teachers and infrastructure development — costs that are being passed directly to parents.
The petition read:
“Queen’s College is beginning to resemble a private institution disguised as a public school. Parents are expected to pay not just inflated levies but also cover expenses like chairs for visiting days and even the salaries of PTA-recruited staff.”
PTA Chairman Defends Fee Hikes
The PTA Chairman of Queen’s College, Mr. Oluwayomi Ojo, defended the increased charges, citing government underfunding as the key reason for their interventions.
“The PTA stepped in where the system failed. We are not trying to exploit anyone. Without our efforts, the school would be in complete disrepair,” he stated in a lengthy message to parents.
He emphasized that the association had made significant contributions, including funding for water supply, cooling systems, and sanitation. While he acknowledged the concerns and announced some relief measures — such as discounts for families with multiple children and removal of select charges — many parents remain dissatisfied.
Other Schools Mirror the Same Crisis
At King’s College, parents reported similar challenges. In addition to the mandatory N12,000 PTA fee, other compulsory payments include N2,000 for diesel, N5,700 for teacher wages, and N2,500 for language classes. Optional services such as meals and laundry come with additional costs of N15,000 and N9,000, respectively.
At Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, an attempt to increase PTA dues from N7,500 to N12,000 has been met with firm resistance, with parents citing a lack of transparency in fund usage.
Federal Government College Ijanikin: EFCC Called In
In another high-profile case, the PTA of Federal Government College, Ijanikin, is mired in controversy following allegations of N40 million in misappropriated funds. The matter was escalated to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the media. The situation reportedly led to the suspension of students whose parents spoke out, and the case remains in litigation.
Federal Government Responds: Reforms Incoming
Reacting to the growing unrest, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, criticized PTAs for exceeding their remit and operating as quasi-administrations within schools.
“The PTA was established to complement—not replace—school governance. Their current level of involvement is unacceptable,” he said during a recent official visit to Lagos.
He announced that the federal government would launch a comprehensive audit of all Unity Colleges, assess the qualifications of PTA-hired staff, and consider absorbing eligible teachers into the federal payroll to ease the financial burden on parents.
“We are investing N40 billion into Unity Schools this year, including N20 billion for solar power and fencing upgrades. The federal government is stepping up, and this trend of financial abuse must end,” he assured.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Reform
As allegations of corruption and exploitation multiply, Unity Colleges face an existential test. With parental trust eroding and official investigations imminent, the future of these institutions hinges on transparent reforms, accountability, and a clear realignment of roles between school authorities and support associations.
The hope is that these once-prestigious schools can be restored to their founding purpose: providing accessible, merit-based, and high-quality education to all Nigerian children, free from exploitation.