The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has assured workers of King’s College, Lagos, that no member of staff will lose their job as the Federal Government proceeds with plans for the institution to be managed by the King’s College Old Boys Association.
Alausa gave the assurance on Monday following a high-level meeting with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders to address concerns surrounding the proposed management arrangement.
The minister also announced the immediate resumption of academic activities across all Federal Unity Colleges.
He said both academic and non-academic staff of King’s College would remain under the Public Service Rules, adding that any deployment would be carried out in accordance with existing regulations.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Alausa further assured workers that no staff member would be victimised, demonised or punished over issues relating to the management arrangement.
The minister said the implementation of the agreement allowing the King’s College Old Boys Association to continue managing the institution would proceed.
However, he announced the constitution of a seven-member committee to review additional concerns raised by stakeholders and recommend possible amendments to the existing agreement.
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.
The committee is expected to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations within one to two weeks.
Alausa said the meeting was held in the spirit of mutual respect and national interest, acknowledging that not all stakeholders might get everything they wanted but stressing that dialogue remained the best way to resolve the issues.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued engagement with unions and other stakeholders, saying the process would be guided by mutual respect, the law and the national interest.
The minister also assured stakeholders that the government would work with them to strengthen King’s College, preserve its heritage and improve the learning environment while protecting the interests of both students and staff.
