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, following an agreement with the Federal Government to review concerns raised by the unions.
The TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, announced the suspension on Monday after a meeting with the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders in Abuja.
Toro described the meeting as fruitful and robust, saying the unions’ concerns were presented and considered in good faith.
He said the suspension would allow a newly constituted seven-member committee to examine the issues in contention and make recommendations.
However, the TUC official stressed that the suspension did not amount to a permanent cancellation of the industrial action.
“Suspending an action is not calling off,” Toro said, warning that the unions could resume the action if they were dissatisfied with the committee’s recommendations.
Alausa announced the constitution of the seven-member committee to consider additional recommendations that could be incorporated into the agreement already signed on the management arrangement for King’s College.
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 the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA).
The minister gave the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations.
Alausa assured the unions that no staff member would be dismissed as a result of the management arrangement involving King’s College.
He said the deployment of academic and non-academic staff would continue to be handled in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
“No staff will be dismissed, demonised or punished as a result of the issues under consideration,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued engagement with the unions and other stakeholders, stressing that the process would be guided by mutual respect, the law and the national interest.
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The minister said implementation of the arrangement allowing the King’s College Old Boys Association to continue managing the institution would proceed while the committee reviews additional recommendations.
He assured stakeholders that the government would work with them to strengthen the school, preserve its heritage and improve the learning environment.
While welcoming the committee’s establishment, Toro called for urgent government intervention to address the deteriorating condition of King’s College.
He said the dilapidated state of the institution required immediate attention to improve the learning environment for students.
Toro described the outcome of the meeting as a win-win situation, saying the unions had secured assurances on key concerns while the government had demonstrated willingness to revisit issues requiring further consideration.
Following the suspension of the industrial action, Alausa directed all Federal Unity Colleges to resume academic activities immediately.
The unions are expected to monitor the committee’s recommendations before deciding whether to permanently withdraw the planned industrial action or revive it.
