The Trade Union Congress, TUC, has suspended the industrial action it directed its affiliates to commence at Federal Unity Colleges over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.
The decision followed a meeting between the union, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders in Abuja on Monday.
Announcing the suspension after the meeting, TUC General Secretary, Mr Nuhu Toro, described the engagement as fruitful and robust, saying the concerns raised by the unions were thoroughly presented and considered in good faith.
Toro said the action was suspended to enable a newly constituted committee to carry out its assignment and examine the issues brought forward by the unions.
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He, however, clarified that the suspension was not a permanent cancellation of the industrial action, warning that the unions could resume the action if dissatisfied with the committee’s recommendations.
“The issues bothering us have been laid bare, and of course, those that were critical to us were also brought to the fore,” Toro said.
According to him, the minister also provided explanations on several concerns raised by the unions, prompting the labour bodies to “stand down the action” and suspend their earlier directive to affiliates to withdraw their services.
Toro said the decision was intended to give the committee sufficient opportunity to complete its work and make recommendations on the issues in dispute.
“Suspending an action is not calling off,” he said, stressing that the unions could immediately reconsider their position if the committee’s recommendations failed to address their concerns.
The TUC general secretary welcomed the creation of the committee, saying it would give the unions an opportunity to study the relevant policy document and make additional contributions.
He said the parties would meet again within the stipulated period to review the committee’s recommendations and determine the next course of action.
Toro also urged the government to urgently address the condition of King’s College, noting that the institution’s deteriorating infrastructure required immediate intervention.
He stressed the need to improve the school’s learning environment and said the existing condition of the college should not be allowed to persist.
The TUC official described the outcome of the meeting as a win-win development, saying the unions had received assurances regarding issues affecting their members, while the government had shown willingness to reconsider matters requiring further review through the committee.
Meanwhile, Alausa directed all Federal Unity Colleges to immediately resume academic activities following the suspension of the industrial action.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to continued discussions with the unions and other stakeholders over the management arrangement for King’s College.
He said the process would be conducted in accordance with mutual respect, the law and the national interest.
Alausa assured stakeholders that the government would continue working with them to strengthen King’s College, preserve the institution’s heritage and improve its learning environment.
He also assured the unions that no member of staff would be dismissed because of the management arrangement involving the school.
The minister said the deployment of academic and non-academic personnel would remain subject to the Public Service Rules.
Alausa further confirmed that the arrangement allowing the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) to continue managing the institution would proceed.
He, however, announced the formation of a seven-member high-level committee to review additional recommendations that could be incorporated into the agreement already signed.
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 KCOBA.
According to Alausa, the committee has two weeks to conclude its assignment and submit its recommendations.
He reiterated that the status of all academic and non-academic staff would continue to be governed by the Public Service Rules.
He added, “No staff will be dismissed, demonised or punished as a result of the issues under consideration.”
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