LAGOS — The Principal of King’s College Lagos, Mr. Magaji Zachary, has called for stronger collaboration between the institution and its stakeholders to transform the school into a major hub for talent development, as it marked its 106th Annual Inter-House Sports and Athletics Competition.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event held on Saturday, Zachary said that while the Federal Government has continued to support the 116-year-old all-boys institution, sustainable growth would require broader partnerships, particularly in the area of sports infrastructure and talent grooming.
Despite operating with limited resources, the principal said the management remained committed to delivering on its core mandate of academic excellence and sporting development.
He noted that funding constraints have posed challenges but insisted that the school would not lose focus in producing future leaders and athletes.
“The Federal Government has done exceedingly well in attending to our needs, but it cannot do it alone considering numerous national priorities,” he said. “Stakeholders must continue to partner with us to protect and sustain the gains we are making.”
Zachary commended the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOB) and the Parent Forum for their consistent intervention projects and moral support. He disclosed that a world-class basketball court is currently under construction at the main campus through the support of an international organisation facilitated by an alumnus.
“It is a facility comparable to global standards, and we are looking forward to hosting an international basketball tournament soon,” he added.
The principal, who described the inter-house sports competition as a celebration of history and resilience, said the event symbolised unity and equal opportunity for all students.
“The track is a great equaliser. It does not care about background or social circle; it responds to preparation, heart and will,” he said, adding that winners from the various events would be groomed to represent the college in upcoming competitions.
Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Arch. William Uko, an alumnus from the 1979/84 set, lauded the healthy rivalry and strong sense of bonding displayed during the games. He said the enthusiasm of old boys reflects a renewed commitment to repositioning the college beyond sole reliance on government funding.
Similarly, Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Engr. Peter Olaoluwa Oluwaleye, praised the open-door policy of the current administration, noting improvements in student welfare, particularly in feeding and general school management since Zachary assumed office in January 2025.
According to him, parents turned the event into a carnival-like celebration in appreciation of the progress recorded under the 26th Principal of King’s College.
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He stressed that sports remain critical to the all-round development of students and urged greater investment in school sports across the country to revive Nigeria’s rich sporting culture.
The competition concluded with Hyde Johnson House (Red) emerging overall champions, reinforcing what stakeholders described as a revival of the college’s once-glorious sporting tradition.
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