TUC Takes Action On King’s College Concession

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has suspended the industrial action it earlier directed its affiliates to embark on over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.

The TUC General Secretary, Mr Nuhu Toro, announced the suspension after a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders in Abuja.

Toro described the meeting as fruitful and robust, saying the concerns of the unions were presented and considered in good faith.

He said the suspension would allow a newly constituted committee to examine the issues raised by the unions and make recommendations.

The TUC General Secretary, however, stressed that the suspension does not amount to a permanent withdrawal of the industrial action.

He said the unions would monitor the committee’s recommendations and could resume the action immediately if they were dissatisfied with the outcome.

According to him, the unions have “stood down the action” to give the committee an opportunity to complete its assignment. He also called for urgent government intervention to address the dilapidated condition of King’s College and improve the learning environment.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has directed all Federal Unity Colleges to resume academic activities immediately following the suspension.

Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued engagement with the unions and other stakeholders over the management arrangement for King’s College, stressing that the process would be guided by mutual respect, the law and the national interest.

He assured stakeholders that the government would work with them to strengthen King’s College, preserve its heritage and improve the learning environment.

The minister also assured the unions that no staff member would be dismissed over the management arrangement involving the institution, adding that the deployment of academic and non-academic staff would continue to be handled in accordance with the Public Service Rules.

Alausa said the implementation of the arrangement for the King’s College Old Boys Association, KCOBA, to continue managing the school would proceed.

The minister further announced the constitution of a seven-member high-level committee to consider additional 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 TUC representatives; and two representatives of KCOBA.

Alausa said the committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations.

He reiterated that all academic and non-academic staff would continue to be treated in accordance with the Public Service Rules, stressing that no staff member would be dismissed, demonised or punished as a result of the issues under consideration.

Toro also said the parties would reconvene within the stipulated period to consider the committee’s recommendations and determine the next steps.

The TUC official described the outcome of the engagement as a win-win situation, saying the unions had secured assurances on the concerns of their members, while the government had demonstrated willingness to revisit issues requiring further consideration.

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