The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has suspended the earlier industrial action directed against its affiliates to shut Federal Unity Colleges over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.
The TUC General Secretary, Mr Nuhu Toro, announced the suspension at the end of a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders on Monday in Abuja.
Toro described the meeting as fruitful and robust, saying the concerns of the unions were presented and considered in good faith.
He said the suspension would allow a newly constituted committee to undertake its assignment and consider the issues raised by the unions.
Toro, however, stressed that the suspension did not mean that the industrial action had been permanently called off.
He said the unions would monitor the outcome of the committee’s assignment and could resume the action if they were not satisfied with its recommendations.
“The issues bordering us have been laid bare, and of course, those that were critical to us were also brought to the fore,” Toro said.
He said the minister had also provided explanations on the concerns raised by the unions during the meeting.
Toro said the development had prompted the unions to “stand down the action” and suspend the directive earlier issued to their affiliates to withdraw their services.
He said the suspension was necessary to give the committee an opportunity to complete its work and make recommendations on the issues in contention.
The TUC general secretary cautioned that the suspension should not be interpreted as a final withdrawal of the industrial action.
“Suspending an action is not calling off,” he said, stressing that the unions could resume the action immediately if they were dissatisfied with the committee’s outcome.
Toro welcomed the establishment of the committee, saying it would enable the unions to examine the relevant policy document and make further contributions.
He said the parties would reconvene within the stipulated period to consider the committee’s recommendations and determine the next steps.
Toro also called for urgent attention to the condition of King’s College, stressing that the existing situation should not be allowed to continue.
He said the dilapidated state of the institution required urgent government intervention to improve the learning environment for students.
The TUC official described the outcome of the engagement as a win-win situation, saying the unions had secured assurances on the concerns of their members.
He added that the government had demonstrated willingness to revisit issues requiring further consideration through the committee.
Meanwhile, Alausa directed all Federal Unity Colleges to resume academic activities immediately following the suspension of the industrial action.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to continued engagement with the unions and other stakeholders on the King’s College management arrangement.
He said the process would be guided by mutual respect, the law and the national interest.
Alausa assured stakeholders that the government would continue to work with them to strengthen King’s College, preserve its heritage and improve the learning environment.
He also assured the unions that no staff member would be dismissed over the management arrangement involving the institution.
The minister said the deployment of academic and non-academic staff would continue to be handled in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
He said implementation of the arrangement for the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) to continue managing the school would proceed.
Alausa, however, announced the constitution of a seven-member high-level committee to consider additional recommendations that could be incorporated into the agreement already signed.
He said the committee comprised 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 KCOBA.
Alausa said the committee had two weeks to complete its assignment and submit recommendations, stressing that all academic and non-academic staff would continue to be treated in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
He added that “No staff will be dismissed, demonized, or punished as a result of the issues under consideration.”
