The Federal Government has assured workers of King’s College, Lagos, that none of them will be dismissed over the controversy surrounding the proposed management arrangement involving the school’s Old Boys Association.
The assurance followed a high-level meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other stakeholders, which also resulted in the suspension of the industrial action earlier directed by the labour centre against its affiliates.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Education, Ikharo Attah, said the Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the resolutions at the end of the engagement, stressing that the deployment of academic and non-academic staff would be carried out strictly in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
Alausa said implementation of the arrangement for the King’s College Old Boys Association to continue managing the institution would proceed, while a seven-member high-level committee would review outstanding concerns and make recommendations that could be incorporated into the agreement already signed.
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 representatives of the TUC; and two representatives of the King’s College Old Boys Association.
According to the Minister, the committee has between one and two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations for consideration.
Alausa gave a categorical assurance that no member of staff would be dismissed, while ruling out any form of demonisation or punishment of workers arising from the issues under consideration.
“All academic and non-academic staff of King’s College would continue to be treated in accordance with the Public Service Rules,” the Minister said, adding that there would be no infringement of the rules in their deployment.
Reacting to the outcome of the meeting, TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, described the engagement as “fruitful and robust,” saying the unions’ concerns were openly presented and considered in good faith.
Toro announced the suspension of the industrial action earlier directed against the unions’ affiliates, explaining that the decision would enable the newly constituted committee to complete its assignment. He, however, noted that the unions retained the option of resuming the suspended action.
He welcomed the committee, saying it would allow the unions to examine the relevant policy document, raise concerns and contribute to its consideration before the parties reconvene within the stipulated period.
Toro also called for urgent intervention to address the deteriorating condition of King’s College, stressing that the status quo could not continue and that the institution’s dilapidated facilities required attention.
While describing the outcome as a “win-win situation,” he said the unions had secured assurances on the concerns of their members, while the government had demonstrated willingness to revisit issues requiring further consideration.
The Federal Ministry of Education also directed all federal unity schools to resume academic activities immediately, following the resolution of the dispute.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued dialogue with labour and other stakeholders, saying the process would be guided by mutual respect, the law and the national interest.
He said the government would continue working with stakeholders to strengthen King’s College, preserve its heritage and improve its learning environment while protecting the interests of students and staff.
