The Federal Government and unions in the education sector has began fresh talks over the controversial proposed changes at King’s College, Lagos, amid concerns over the fate of workers and the future management of the institution.
The meeting, convened by Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, brought together the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and other affiliated unions, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad and Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folake David.
The talks followed growing concern among workers over the proposed administrative changes at King’s College, particularly the use of the word “concessioning” and what it could mean for the status of staff and the institution.
TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu Toro, said the unions were seeking clarification from the Federal Government, noting that the issue had generated sufficient concern to trigger an instruction for workers in unity schools and King’s College to down tools.
He said interventions at the highest level had, however, brought the government and unions to the negotiating table.
Toro noted that the unions were committed to resolving the matter through dialogue, particularly because of the impact of any disruption on children from poor and less privileged families.
He said: “We are on the same page on the future of our children,” stressing that both the unions and the Ministry were interested in reaching a quick resolution.
On the part of government, Alausa assured the unions that the administration would continue to engage them in good faith, while insisting that workers’ welfare and the national interest must be balanced with the need to protect the future of Nigerian children.
The Minister said the engagement was part of the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He commended the unions for their commitment to workers’ rights and willingness to dialogue, while assuring them that the reforms would be implemented responsibly, with due consideration for learners, teachers, non-academic staff and effective management of public resources.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Folate David who was said to have interrupted a scheduled official trip to London to return and respond to the concerns, assured the unions that affected workers would be protected during the transition.
She clarified that the workers would remain civil servants and would have the option of either remaining at King’s College under the new administrative arrangement or moving to other schools within Lagos State, based on their choice.
She also disclosed that a committee would be constituted to facilitate the transition, carry stakeholders along and preserve the heritage and objectives of King’s College.