TUC calls off King’s College franchise strike, Unity schools ordered to resume

The Trade Union Congress has directed its affiliated unions to suspend their declared industrial action over the Federal Government’s handing over of King’s College, Lagos, to the Old Boys’ Association of the institution.

The directive followed an emergency meeting between the TUC leadership and the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on Monday in Abuja.

The development is expected to pave the way for the immediate resumption of academic activities at federal colleges across the country after unions ordered workers not to resume following the dispute over the concession agreement.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and other unions in the Federal Ministry of Education had opposed the proposed public-private partnership involving King’s College and the King’s College Old Boys’ Association.

Unions had expressed concerns that the concession could affect workers’ employment and conditions of service, and the ASCSN warns that thousands of employees could be affected.

However, after Monday’s meeting, TUC general secretary Nuhu Toro said the concerns raised by the unions had been presented to the minister and addressed during discussions.

Toro stressed that the suspension of industrial action does not constitute a permanent withdrawal of the unions’ objections.

“The issues that were of concern to us were laid bare and, of course, those that were critical to us were also brought to the fore,” he said.

He added that the minister provided explanations on the issues raised by the workers’ representatives.

FG guarantees workers safety at work

Alausa, addressing the unions, assured them that no worker would lose their job as a result of the King’s College concession.

Following the agreement, the minister directed all colleges in the federal unit to resume academic activities immediately.

To further address concerns regarding the concession agreement, Alausa announced the establishment of a seven-member high-level committee to review further recommendations and determine those that could be incorporated into the agreement already signed with the TUC.

The committee is made up of two representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, including the Deputy Minister of Education and the Acting Permanent Secretary; a representative of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment; two senior TUC officials; and two representatives of the King’s College Old Boys’ Association.

The committee was given two weeks to complete its task and present its recommendations.

The Minister also assured that both academic and non-academic employees will continue to be treated in accordance with applicable public service regulations.

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