The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has suspended the industrial action it had earlier directed its affiliates to embark on over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, to manage Federal Unity Colleges.
TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, announced the suspension after a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders on Monday in Abuja.
Toro described the meeting as fruitful and robust, saying the concerns raised by the unions were presented and considered in good faith. He said the suspension would allow a newly constituted committee to carry out its assignment and look into the issues raised.
He, however, stressed that the suspension was not a permanent call-off of the action, noting that the unions would monitor the outcome of the committee’s work and could resume the strike if unsatisfied with its 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, adding that the minister had also explained the government’s position on the unions’ concerns.
According to him, the development prompted the unions to stand down the directive earlier issued to their affiliates to withdraw services. He said the suspension would give the committee room to complete its work and make recommendations on the contentious issues.
“Suspending an action is not calling off,” Toro said, warning that the unions could resume the strike immediately if dissatisfied with the committee’s outcome.
He welcomed the setting up of the committee, saying it would allow the unions to review the relevant policy document and contribute further input. He added that both parties would reconvene within the stipulated period to consider the committee’s recommendations and agree on next steps.
Toro also called for urgent government attention to the dilapidated condition of King’s College, saying the situation required immediate intervention to improve the learning environment for students.
He described the outcome of the engagement as a win-win, noting that the unions had secured assurances on their members’ concerns, while the government had shown willingness to revisit contentious issues through the committee.
Meanwhile, Alausa directed all Federal Unity Colleges to resume academic activities immediately, following the suspension of the industrial action. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued engagement with unions and other stakeholders on the King’s College management arrangement, saying the process would be guided by mutual respect, the law and national interest.
He assured stakeholders that the government would work with them to strengthen King’s College, preserve its heritage and improve its learning environment, adding that no staff member would be dismissed over the management arrangement. Deployment of academic and non-academic staff, he said, would continue in line with the Public Service Rules.
Alausa announced the constitution of a seven-member high-level committee — comprising two representatives each from the Federal Ministry of Education and King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA), two senior TUC representatives, and one from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment — to consider additional recommendations for the signed agreement. The committee has two weeks to submit its recommendations.
He reiterated that “No staff will be dismissed, demonised or punished as a result of the issues under consideration.”
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