King’s College: FG moves to defuse crisis, assures workers of ‘no sack’

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja The Federal Government has moved to defuse the escalating crisis over the controversial management arrangement for King’s College, Lagos, assuring workers that none of them would be sacked, victimised or punished as a result of the dispute. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance on Monday after a high-level meeting with the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other stakeholders, even as he announced that the implementation of the arrangement for the King’s College Old Boys Association to continue managing the institution would proceed. The development came as the TUC announced the suspension of the industrial action earlier directed against its affiliates, following the government’s assurances and the constitution of a seven-member committee to further examine areas of concern raised by the unions.

Alausa said the committee would review the agreement already signed and consider additional recommendations that could be incorporated into the document. The committee, which is expected to complete its assignment within one to two weeks, 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. According to the minister, the government’s decision followed extensive deliberations conducted in the spirit of mutual respect and national interest.

He acknowledged that stakeholders might not secure everything they demanded but maintained that dialogue remained the best avenue for resolving the contentious issues surrounding the institution. Alausa was, however, categorical that the controversy would not be allowed to result in job losses or victimisation. He said all academic and non-academic workers at the college would continue to be treated in accordance with the Public Service Rules, particularly in matters concerning their deployment.

“No staff will be dismissed,” the minister assured, adding that there would also be “no demonisation or punishment” of any member of staff because of the issues under consideration. The assurance appeared to provide a major relief for the unions, which had mounted pressure against the proposed arrangement and accused the au… By Joseph Erunke, Abuja ABUJA — The Federal Government and organised labour on Monday began fresh talks to resolve the crisis over the proposed new administrative arrangement for King’s College, Lagos, with the government assuring affected workers that they would retain their status as civil servants.

The meeting, led by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, brought together the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and other affiliated unions protesting the proposed arrangement. The talks were aimed at resolving the controversy surrounding the proposed changes and preventing further disruption in the nation’s unity schools. The meeting came amid opposition from workers to the use of the term “concessioning” in relation to King’s College, with the unions demanding clarification of the Federal Government’s intentions.

Alausa, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, assured the unions that the government would implement its education reforms responsibly. He said the welfare and rights of workers would be given due consideration alongside the broader national interest and the future of Nigerian children.