LAGOS/Nigeria: The Principal of King’s College, Lagos, Mr. Magaji Zachary, has called on stakeholders to intensify their partnership with the institution to position it as a major hub for talent development in academics and sports.
Zachary made the appeal on Saturday on the sidelines of the college’s 106th Annual Inter-House Sports and Athletics Competition, held in Lagos. The event marked another milestone for the 116-year-old all-boys institution, long regarded as a cradle of leadership and excellence.
Despite what he described as limited resources, the principal said the management had remained committed to exposing students to quality teaching, learning and sporting development. While commending the Federal Government for its continued support, he noted that government alone could not shoulder the numerous needs of the college amid competing national priorities.
He particularly lauded the King’s College Old Boys (KCOB) and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for their sustained intervention and encouragement. According to him, an international-standard basketball court is currently under construction on the main campus through the efforts of an Old Boy and an international organisation, adding that the school looks forward to hosting an international basketball tournament in the near future.
“The track is a great equaliser; it doesn’t care about your background or social circle. It only responds to preparation, heart and will,” Zachary said, describing the inter-house sports as a metaphor for unity and character-building. He acknowledged funding and maintenance culture as ongoing challenges but insisted that the college would not relent in producing globally competitive athletes and responsible leaders.
Reflecting on his tenure as the 26th Principal of King’s College, Zachary expressed pride in the improvements recorded since he assumed office in January 2025. He said winners from the various sporting categories would be groomed to form a formidable team to represent the college in future competitions.
Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), Arch. William Uko, an Old Boy (1979/84 set), praised the atmosphere of healthy rivalry and camaraderie that characterised the competition. He noted that beyond athletics, the event fostered bonding and renewed attachment among alumni, stressing that the college’s sporting culture is gradually regaining its vibrancy.
Similarly, Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Engr. Peter Olaoluwa Oluwaleye, commended the principal’s open-door policy and student-focused leadership. He said parents had taken ownership of the event as a show of appreciation for the visible progress in welfare and administration, particularly improvements in food quality and general student care.
The colourful competition climaxed with Hyde Johnson House (Red) emerging overall winners, capping a day the principal described as a celebration of history, resilience and the enduring spirit of King’s College.
