The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has suspended its planned industrial action over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, after reaching an understanding with the Federal Government on Monday.
The suspension followed a meeting between TUC representatives, Minister of Education DrTunji Alausa and other stakeholders in Abuja, with the union saying a newly constituted committee should be allowed to examine the issues surrounding the management arrangement.
TUC General Secretary, Mr Nuhu Toro, described the engagement as “fruitful and robust”, saying the unions had presented their concerns and received explanations from the minister.
He stressed, however, that the decision was only a suspension and not a permanent cancellation of the planned action.
“Suspending an action is not calling off,” Toro said, warning that the unions could resume the industrial action if they were dissatisfied with the recommendations eventually produced by the committee.
The seven-member committee, announced by Alausa, has been given two weeks to review the concerns raised by the unions and recommend additional provisions that could be incorporated into an existing agreement on the management of King’s College.
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 the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA).
Alausa said the government remained committed to engaging the unions and other stakeholders, adding that the process would be guided by the law, mutual respect and the national interest.
He also moved to address concerns over the fate of workers at the institution, assuring that no academic or non-academic staff member would be dismissed, punished or victimised because of the management arrangement.
“The deployment of academic and non-academic staff will continue to be handled in accordance with the Public Service Rules,” the minister said.
He added that the arrangement for KCOBA to continue managing the school would proceed while the committee considers further recommendations.
Following the suspension of the labour action, Alausa directed all Federal Unity Colleges to immediately resume academic activities.
Toro said the unions had agreed to stand down their directive to affiliates because the committee provided an opportunity to further examine the policy document and address issues considered critical to their members.
He also urged the government to urgently improve conditions at King’s College, pointing to what he described as the institution’s dilapidated state and the need for a better learning environment.
The TUC official described the outcome as a “win-win situation”, saying the government had shown willingness to reconsider areas of concern.
Both sides are expected to reconvene after the committee submits its recommendations, after which the unions will determine whether the assurances and proposed changes are sufficient to prevent further industrial action.
