By Aminu Garko
A construction firm, Pluck Global Construction Company, has defended its involvement in a proposed land concession project at Federal Government College Kano, describing criticisms by the Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association as misleading and based on inaccurate information.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the company responded to concerns raised by the alumni association over a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement involving about 33 hectares of undeveloped land within the school premises.
FGCKOSA had earlier expressed reservations about the concession, which reportedly covers approximately 40 per cent of the institution’s total land area.
However, Pluck Global insisted that the land in question is largely underutilised and that the agreement is aimed at modernising the school’s infrastructure without financial burden on the Federal Government.
The firm explained that it entered into the concession agreement in June 2024 after a competitive and regulated process aligned with the Federal Government’s PPP policy.
According to the company, the agreement underwent due diligence and received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministerial Projects Approval Board.
It further clarified that the Kano State Government has no ownership or involvement in the land or the concession process, contrary to insinuations in parts of the media.
Under the agreement, the company is expected to undertake a comprehensive redevelopment of the college, including the construction of a skills acquisition and entrepreneurship centre, staff quarters, a female hostel, a health centre, a sports complex, and a corps members’ lodge.
Other components include a new staff common room, solar power installation, landscaping, and expansion of the school garden.
In addition, the project will cover the renovation of 54 classrooms, science laboratories, hostels, kitchen and dining facilities, as well as upgrades to the school’s e-library, road network, twin theatres, and perimeter fencing with enhanced security features.
The firm also pledged to supply security vehicles, motorcycles, furniture, and instructional materials as part of the project.
Pluck Global disclosed that the total value of the project exceeded ₦8 billion as of 2024, noting that prevailing economic conditions may have significantly increased the cost. It, however, stressed that PPP agreements are not subject to post-award review.
“As part of the arrangement, the developer will only take possession of its allocated portion of land after the completion of the project,” the statement noted.
The company explained that in return for its investment, it would receive 40 per cent of the designated land, while the remaining 60 per cent, along with all upgraded facilities, would remain the property of the school.
Describing the initiative as a strategic intervention, Pluck Global said the project would not undermine the legacy of the college but rather enhance it by providing modern infrastructure and a safer learning environment.
“At a time when public resources are constrained, this PPP model enables the delivery of world-class facilities without direct government expenditure, while also ensuring that idle land is put to productive use,” the statement added.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, expressing readiness to engage constructively with FGCKOSA and other interested parties to address concerns surrounding the project.
