FGC Kano raises the alarm over land encroachment

A controversy has erupted over a land development agreement at Federal Government College Kano, with the school’s alumni raising concerns over what they describe as encroachment and a threat to students’ welfare.

At the centre of the dispute is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement that reportedly allocated about 33 hectares of the school’s land to a private developer, Pluck Global Construction Company, for infrastructure development.

While government officials have presented the deal as a strategic effort to upgrade aging facilities within the college, the alumni association, FGCKOSA, has strongly opposed the move, alleging that the agreement undervalues the land and compromises the integrity of the institution.

The alumni claim that the land involved in the swap is worth tens of billions of naira, while the proposed infrastructure projects—including a sports complex, health centre and classroom upgrades—are significantly lower in value.

They also expressed concerns over the safety implications of introducing a private estate within the school environment, warning that it could expose students to security risks and reduce access to critical recreational and communal spaces such as sports fields and worship centres.

The development has since taken a legal turn, with a Federal High Court reportedly ordering that the status quo be maintained pending the resolution of the dispute, effectively halting further construction on the site.

FGCKOSA President, Shoyinka Shodunke, said the association has petitioned anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, calling for a full investigation into the transaction.

The group has also written to President Bola Tinubu, urging the Federal Government to review and cancel the agreement.

As tensions rise, the alumni have warned prospective buyers and stakeholders to exercise caution, insisting that any transactions related to the disputed land remain subject to ongoing legal proceedings.