The minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, has declared a zero-tolerance policy for overcrowded admissions in Federal Unity Colleges across the country.
Alausa stated this when he met with principals of Federal Unity Colleges in Abuja yesterday.
Addressing growing concerns over irregularities in the admission process, the minister warned school principals against engaging in or facilitating backdoor admissions, saying that strict consequences will follow any violation of the established quota system.
He praised the role of unity schools in national cohesion but acknowledged systemic issues, particularly overcrowding, which poses safety risks.
“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,” the minister said.
Also speaking, the minister of state for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, said the unity colleges are symbols of national integration, academic excellence, and discipline.
However, she said over the years, these institutions have 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.”
