By Adeola Kunle
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, has assured workers of King’s College, Lagos, that no member of staff will lose their job as the Federal Government moves to address outstanding concerns surrounding the management of the institution.
The assurance followed a high-level meeting involving the Federal Ministry of Education, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the King’s College Old Boys Association and other stakeholders over concerns regarding the arrangement for the Old Boys Association to continue managing the school.
At the end of the engagement, Dr. Alausa announced a number of resolutions, including the continuation of the management arrangement involving the King’s College Old Boys Association and the establishment of a seven-member high-level committee to review outstanding issues and consider additional recommendations that may be incorporated into the agreement already signed.
The Minister said the engagement was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and in consideration of the national interest.
According to him, stakeholders may not necessarily secure everything they seek during negotiations, but constructive dialogue and careful consideration of the issues would create the foundation for reaching an outcome that serves the interest of the country.
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 Trade Union Congress; and two representatives of the King’s College Old Boys Association.
Dr. Alausa said the committee would be given between one and two weeks to complete its assignment and submit any additional recommendations for consideration.
He also clarified that the deployment of both academic and non-academic staff of King’s College would continue to be governed by the Public Service Rules, stressing that there would be no violation of the applicable regulations.
In a firm assurance to the workers, the Minister stated that no staff member would be dismissed as a result of the issues being considered.
He further assured the workers that there would be no victimisation, demonisation or punishment of any staff member arising from the matter.
Reacting to the outcome of the meeting, the TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu Toro, described the engagement as productive and comprehensive.
He said the unions had the opportunity to present their concerns openly, adding that the issues were considered by all parties in good faith.
Comrade Toro announced the suspension of the industrial action earlier directed against the unions' affiliates. He explained that the suspension would enable the newly established committee to carry out its assignment, while noting that the unions retained the option of resuming the suspended action if necessary.
The TUC General Secretary welcomed the creation of the committee, saying it would provide the unions with an opportunity to examine the relevant policy document, raise further concerns and contribute to its consideration before the parties reconvene within the agreed timeframe.
He also called for urgent intervention to address the condition of King’s College, emphasising that the existing situation could not be allowed to persist.
According to him, the dilapidated state of the institution requires immediate attention, particularly as stakeholders work towards preserving the school's heritage and improving its learning environment.
Comrade Toro described the outcome of the meeting as a win-win situation, noting that the unions had obtained assurances on issues affecting their members, while the government had demonstrated its willingness to reconsider areas requiring further examination.
The engagement is part of the Federal Government's wider efforts to improve the management, infrastructure and overall condition of public educational institutions and enhance learning outcomes in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Alausa reiterated the Federal Government's readiness to maintain constructive engagement with organised labour and other stakeholders, stressing that the process would continue to be guided by mutual respect, the law and the national interest.
The Minister also assured stakeholders that the government would continue working with them to strengthen King’s College, preserve its historic heritage and create a better learning environment.
He emphasised that the welfare and interests of both students and staff would remain protected as the Federal Government pursues its commitment to building a stronger education system and securing a better future for Nigerian children under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adeola Kunle
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