The Federal Government has assured workers of King’s College, Lagos, that their jobs will remain protected. This comes amid concerns over proposed changes to the administration of the institution.
According to The PUNCH, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa gave the assurance on Monday during a meeting with organised labour. The meeting included representatives of the Trade Union Congress and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.
The meeting followed growing concerns among workers over the proposed administrative arrangement for King’s College. In particular, the government’s use of the term “concessioning” caused worry. Unions feared the move could affect employees’ status and the school’s future.
Alausa said the engagement formed part of the Federal Government’s wider education reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He added that workers’ welfare would be considered alongside the national interest.
“While workers’ welfare remains important, all stakeholders must also consider the national interest and the future of the nation’s children,” the minister said.
Workers to remain civil servants
Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Folake Olatunji-Davies, told union leaders that affected employees would remain civil servants. This would be the case despite the proposed changes.
She explained that workers would be able to either remain at King’s College under the new administrative arrangement. Alternatively, they could transfer to other schools within Lagos State, depending on their preference.
Olatunji-Davies said a committee would be established to manage the transition and engage relevant stakeholders. The committee would also protect the heritage and objectives of King’s College.
The minister also assured the unions that reforms would be implemented responsibly. Importantly, the interests of students, teachers and non-academic employees would be taken into consideration.
Unions seek clarity on concessioning
TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro said organised labour was particularly concerned about the meaning and implications of the proposed concessioning arrangement.
He disclosed that the controversy had earlier prompted instructions for workers in unity schools and King’s College to down tools. However, intervention at a higher level brought both sides to the negotiating table.
Toro said the unions preferred dialogue, noting that prolonged disruption would particularly affect children from poor and less-privileged families.
“We are on the same page on the future of our children,” he said, calling for a quick resolution of the disagreement.
The ministry maintained that legitimate concerns raised by the unions would be addressed in line with existing laws. This would also align with the government’s education reforms.
King’s College, established in 1909, is one of Nigeria’s oldest government-owned secondary schools. It also forms part of the Federal Government’s unity school system.
