The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has assured workers at King’s College, Lagos, that no member of staff will be dismissed as the Federal Government moves to address concerns surrounding the institution’s management arrangement. Alausa also said the deployment of academic and non-academic staff at the college would continue to……
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has assured workers at King’s College, Lagos, that no member of staff will be dismissed as the Federal Government moves to address concerns surrounding the institution’s management arrangement.
Alausa also said the deployment of academic and non-academic staff at the college would continue to be guided by the Public Service Rules.
The minister made this known at the end of a high-level meeting involving the Federal Ministry of Education, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders over the proposed arrangement for the King’s College Old Boys Association to continue managing the institution.
According to a statement by Alausa’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, on Monday, the meeting agreed that the arrangement would proceed, while a seven-member committee would review outstanding concerns and make additional recommendations.
The committee 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.
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The committee is expected to complete its assignment within one to two weeks.
Alausa said the engagement was held in the spirit of mutual respect and the national interest, noting that dialogue remained necessary to resolve areas of disagreement.
He said, “while stakeholders might not get everything they wanted,” the discussions would provide a basis for reaching a resolution that would be beneficial to the country.
The minister gave a categorical assurance that no staff member would be dismissed or punished over the issues under consideration.
He added that there would be no “demonisation or punishment of any member of staff” arising from the dispute.
Reacting to the outcome, TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, described the meeting as “fruitful and robust,” saying the unions’ concerns were presented and considered in good faith.
Toro announced the suspension of the industrial action earlier directed against the unions’ affiliates to allow the newly constituted committee to carry out its assignment.
He, however, said the unions reserved the right to resume the suspended action.
The TUC General Secretary also welcomed the committee, saying it would enable the unions to examine the relevant policy document, raise concerns and contribute to its review before the parties reconvene.
Toro further called for urgent intervention to improve the condition of King’s College, stressing that the “status quo should not continue” and that the dilapidated state of the institution must be addressed.
He described the outcome of the meeting as a “win-win situation,” saying the unions had secured assurances on the welfare of their members while the government had shown willingness to revisit areas requiring further consideration.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the engagement was part of efforts to strengthen the management and condition of public educational institutions and improve the learning environment.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued engagement with the unions and other stakeholders, stressing that the process would be guided by “mutual respect, the law and the national interest.”
The minister also assured stakeholders that the government would continue to work with them to strengthen King’s College, preserve its heritage and protect the interests of students and staff.
Meanwhile, all unity schools are expected to resume academic activities immediately following the resolution.
