King’s College Row: FG assures workers they will retain civil service status

The Federal Government has moved to allay concerns among workers at King’s College, Lagos, by assuring organized labor that employees at the historic institution will not lose their civil service status under new administrative arrangements.

The assurance was given on Monday by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during a meeting with representatives of labor organizations regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed changes in school management.

The meeting brought together the Trades Union Congress, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and other affiliated trade unions, together with the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, and the Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Folake Olatunji-Davies.

The engagement follows growing concern among workers and unions over the proposed arrangement, particularly the use of the word “concession”, which raised concerns about the future of the school and the employment status of its workers.

Alausa said the government was ready to address these issues through consultation and dialogue, while stressing that education reform must take into account workers’ welfare and the country’s broader interests.

The Minister said, “Even though worker welfare remains important, all stakeholders must also consider national interests and the future of the nation’s children.”

He described union participation in the discussions as essential to finding workable solutions, and praised unions for standing up for workers’ rights but remaining open to dialogue.

Alausa said the proposed reforms were part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition the education sector under President Bola Tinubu’s New Hope Agenda.

He assured labor representatives that the government would carry out reforms responsibly, taking into account the interests of students, teachers and non-academic staff, as well as the need for wise management of public resources.

The Minister also praised the Acting Permanent Secretary for shortening the official meeting schedule in London to return and address concerns raised by trade unions.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Olatunji-Davies, provided further clarification on the proposed transition, and assured affected unions would remain public servants.

He said the workers would have the option of remaining at King’s College under the proposed new administrative structure or transferring to other schools in Lagos State, depending on their preferences.

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According to him, the ministry will set up a committee to oversee the transition process and ensure that all relevant stakeholders have been adequately consulted.

He added that the committee would also seek to preserve the heritage, values ​​and aims of King’s College throughout the process.

TUC general secretary Nuhu Toro said the union’s main concern was understanding exactly what the proposed changes meant, particularly the implications of the term “concession”.

Toro explained that this uncertainty previously resulted in instructions for workers at unitary schools and King’s College to withdraw their services.

However, he said that intervention at the highest level had created an opportunity for the government and labor to return to the negotiating table.

The labor leader said the union was interested in resolving the dispute through dialogue, especially as prolonged disruption could have a negative impact on students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We are of the same mind regarding our children’s future,” Toro said, stressing the importance of reaching an acceptable resolution without delay.

The meeting was ongoing at the time this report was filed, and the Ministry of Education stated that the legitimate concerns raised by the union would be addressed in accordance with existing laws and the Federal Government’s education reform program.

King’s College, Lagos, founded in 1909, is one of the oldest government-owned secondary schools in Nigeria and a leading institution in the Federal Government’s unitary school system.

The institution has historically operated under the administration of the Federal Government, making the proposed changes of great interest to its employees and alumni.

The controversy surrounding the new administrative arrangements has also given rise to broader discussions regarding the management and financing of public educational institutions.

For organized labor, the main concern remains the meaning and practical implications of “concessions,” particularly whether the proposed arrangements could change the employment status or conditions of service for existing workers.

Therefore, Monday’s meeting marks a significant step towards resolving the dispute through consultations between the Federal Government and the union.