The Federal Ministry of Education and labour unions have reached a five-point agreement aimed at resolving the dispute surrounding the proposed arrangement involving King’s College, Lagos.
The agreement was reached on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting between the Ministers of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa and Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, and representatives of the Joint Workers Union and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
The resolutions are expected to pave the way for further dialogue between the Federal Government and workers over concerns surrounding the planned arrangement involving the historic institution.
Workers Agree to Suspend Industrial Action
As part of the agreement, the labour unions agreed to immediately suspend the ongoing industrial action linked to concerns over the King’s College arrangement.
The decision followed discussions between the ministry and union representatives on ways to address workers’ concerns while protecting the interests of students and staff.
No Victimisation of Workers
The Federal Ministry of Education also agreed that no staff member would be victimised or subjected to punitive measures for participating in the industrial action.
The commitment was included among measures designed to restore confidence and encourage constructive engagement between both parties.
FG Pauses Implementation for Two Weeks
The ministry agreed to a two-week suspension of the commencement of the proposed implementation process involving the takeover arrangement with the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA).
The pause is expected to provide room for further consultations and review of issues raised by stakeholders.
Police Officers to Leave School Premises
The meeting also resolved that police personnel stationed at King’s College would be redeployed from the school premises.
The move is intended to create a more favourable atmosphere for continued discussions between government officials, unions and other stakeholders.
Committee to Review FG-KCOBA Agreement
The parties agreed to establish a seven-member committee to examine the agreement between the Federal Government and KCOBA.
The committee will: review the terms of the agreement, examine concerns raised by labour unions, assess issues surrounding the proposed arrangement, make recommendations toward resolving the dispute.
Dialogue Continues Over Future of King’s College
The Federal Government and labour unions said the resolutions provide a framework for continued engagement and peaceful resolution of the disagreement.
The dispute had generated concerns among teachers, parents and education stakeholders over the implications of the proposed arrangement for staff welfare, public access and the future management of the institution.
