The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has suspended the industrial action it directed its affiliates to commence over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.
The decision followed a meeting between the TUC leadership, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders in Abuja on Monday.
TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, said the discussions were productive and gave the unions an opportunity to present their concerns over the proposed management arrangement.
According to him, the suspension will allow a newly established committee to examine the issues raised by the unions and make recommendations.
Toro, however, clarified that the suspension does not amount to a permanent cancellation of the planned industrial action.
He said the unions would study the committee’s recommendations and could resume the action if they were dissatisfied with the outcome.
“The issues bothering us have been laid bare, and of course, those that were critical to us were also brought to the fore,” Toro said.
He added that the minister provided explanations on several of the concerns raised during the meeting, prompting the unions to suspend the directive asking their affiliates to withdraw their services.
Toro also welcomed the committee, saying it would provide an opportunity for the unions to examine the relevant policy documents and make further contributions.
The TUC official called for urgent intervention to address the condition of King’s College, particularly the state of its facilities, which he said required attention to provide students with a better learning environment.
Meanwhile, Alausa directed all Federal Unity Colleges to resume academic activities immediately following the suspension of the industrial action.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to engaging the unions and other stakeholders on the proposed management arrangement for King’s College.
He said the process would be guided by the law, mutual respect and the national interest.
Alausa also assured workers at the school that no staff member would be dismissed because of the management arrangement involving the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA).
He explained that the deployment of academic and non-academic staff would continue to follow the Public Service Rules.
The minister confirmed that the arrangement allowing KCOBA to continue managing the institution would proceed, while announcing a seven-member high-level committee to consider additional recommendations that could be incorporated into the existing agreement.
The committee comprises 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 TUC representatives; and two representatives of KCOBA.
Alausa said the committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations.
He further assured workers that their employment status would remain protected throughout the process.
“No staff will be dismissed, demonised or punished as a result of the issues under consideration,” the minister said.
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