The Federal Government has resolved the industrial face-off over King’s College, Lagos, with a categorical assurance that no member of staff will be dismissed under the new management arrangement involving the King’s College Old Boys Association.
The resolutions were announced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at the end of a high-level engagement between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa said the engagement was held in the spirit of mutual respect and national interest, noting that dialogue had provided a path to a solution that protects both staff and students.
The Minister announced that all academic and non-academic staff of the 117-year-old college will continue to be treated strictly in accordance with the Public Service Rules in relation to their deployment.
“No staff will be dismissed. There will be no demonisation or punishment of any member of staff arising from the issues under consideration,” Dr. Alausa assured, according to a statement by Attah Ikharo, Special Adviser on Media and Communications.
He said the arrangement for the King’s College Old Boys Association to continue managing the institution will proceed, while concerns raised by workers will be further addressed.
To handle outstanding issues, Dr. Alausa announced the constitution of a seven-member high-level committee to review the agreement and make additional recommendations.
The committee will comprise:
Two representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, including the Minister of State, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Folake Olatunji David;
One representative of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment;
Two senior-level representatives of the TUC; and
Two representatives of the King’s College Old Boys Association.
The committee has one to two weeks to complete its assignment.
With the suspension of the strike, the Federal Government directed that all Unity Schools are to resume academic activities immediately.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening public schools, preserving King’s College heritage, and improving learning outcomes in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Federal Government will continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen King’s College and protect the interests of students and staff,” the Minister said.
Responding, TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu Toro, described the meeting as “fruitful and robust,” saying the unions’ concerns were openly presented and considered in good faith.
He announced that the TUC will suspend the industrial action earlier directed against its affiliates in unity schools and King’s College, to allow the committee to work, with the caveat that the action could be resumed if necessary.
Comrade Toro welcomed the committee, saying it would allow unions to examine the policy document and contribute before parties reconvene.
He acknowledged the need to urgently address the dilapidated state of King’s College, stressing that “the status quo should not continue.”
He described the outcome as a win-win, with assurances secured for workers while government demonstrated willingness to revisit issues.