By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
The Federal Government has moved to defuse the escalating crisis over the controversial management arrangement for King’s College, Lagos, assuring workers that none of them would be sacked, victimised or punished as a result of the dispute.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance on Monday after a high-level meeting with the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other stakeholders, even as he announced that the implementation of the arrangement for the King’s College Old Boys Association to continue managing the institution would proceed.
The development came as the TUC announced the suspension of the industrial action earlier directed against its affiliates, following the government’s assurances and the constitution of a seven-member committee to further examine areas of concern raised by the unions.
Alausa said the committee would review the agreement already signed and consider additional recommendations that could be incorporated into the document.
The committee, which is expected to complete its assignment within one to two weeks, will comprise two representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, including the Minister of State for Education and the Acting Permanent Secretary; one representative of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment; two senior representatives of the TUC; and two representatives of the King’s College Old Boys Association.
According to the minister, the government’s decision followed extensive deliberations conducted in the spirit of mutual respect and national interest.
He acknowledged that stakeholders might not secure everything they demanded but maintained that dialogue remained the best avenue for resolving the contentious issues surrounding the institution.
Alausa was, however, categorical that the controversy would not be allowed to result in job losses or victimisation.
He said all academic and non-academic workers at the college would continue to be treated in accordance with the Public Service Rules, particularly in matters concerning their deployment.
“No staff will be dismissed,” the minister assured, adding that there would also be “no demonisation or punishment” of any member of staff because of the issues under consideration.
The assurance appeared to provide a major relief for the unions, which had mounted pressure against the proposed arrangement and accused the authorities of failing to adequately address workers’ concerns.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu Toro, described the engagement as “fruitful and robust,” saying the concerns of the unions were presented and considered in good faith.
Toro subsequently announced the suspension of the industrial action directed against the unions’ affiliates to enable the newly constituted committee to carry out its assignment.
He, however, warned that the unions could resume the suspended action if necessary after the committee’s work.
The TUC scribe said the committee would provide the unions an opportunity to scrutinise the relevant policy document, articulate their concerns and make contributions before the parties reconvene within the stipulated one-to-two-week period.
Beyond the immediate labour dispute, Toro stressed the urgent need to rescue King’s College from its deteriorating physical condition, warning that the status quo could no longer be allowed to continue.
He said the dilapidated state of the iconic institution required urgent intervention, even as he described the outcome of the meeting as a “win-win” for the parties.
While the unions secured assurances on the protection of their members, he said, the government had demonstrated willingness to revisit areas requiring further consideration.
King’s College, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s historic secondary schools, had recently become the centre of a dispute following the arrangement allowing its Old Boys Association to continue managing aspects of the institution.
The controversy had triggered strong opposition from organised labour and culminated in industrial action and protests, with workers demanding greater clarity and protection of their interests.
With Monday’s resolution, however, the Federal Government is proceeding with the management arrangement while creating a fresh window for the unions and other stakeholders to influence possible amendments to the existing agreement.
Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued dialogue with organised labour and other stakeholders, stressing that the process would be guided by the law, mutual respect and the national interest.
He also pledged that the government would work with stakeholders to strengthen King’s College, preserve its heritage and improve its learning environment while protecting the interests of students and staff.
The minister said the intervention was part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to improve the management and physical condition of public educational institutions and raise the quality of learning under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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