By Ngozi Nwankwo
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Monday met with leadership of staff unions in Abuja to resolve the crisis rocking King’s College, Lagos.
The meeting brought together the Trade Union Congress, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and other affiliated unions. Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folake Olatunji David, are also in attendance.
Alausa said the engagement is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at ensuring quality education for every Nigerian child.
He stressed that while workers’ welfare remains important, stakeholders must consider the national interest and the future of Nigerian children.
The minister commended the unions for their commitment to workers’ rights and willingness to embrace dialogue.
He also lauded the Acting Permanent Secretary for interrupting her official trip to London to return and address concerns raised by the unions.
Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olatunji David, assured the unions of a smooth transition and protection of workers’ interests.
She clarified that affected staff remain civil servants and will have the option of remaining at King’s College under the new administrative arrangement or moving to other unity schools within Lagos State.
According to her, a committee is being set up to facilitate the transition, carry stakeholders along, and preserve the heritage and objectives of the college.
TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu Toro, said the unions sought clarification on the proposed changes at King’s College, particularly the use of the term “concessioning.”
Toro noted that the development generated concern and led to an instruction for workers in unity schools and King’s College to down tools. He, however, acknowledged that high-level interventions had brought parties to the negotiating table.
He affirmed that the unions are committed to resolving the matter through dialogue, in the interest of children of the poor and less privileged.
Alausa assured that the Federal Government will continue to engage stakeholders in good faith and ensure legitimate concerns are addressed within the framework of the law and ongoing reforms.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to building an education system that protects workers’ interests, improves learning outcomes, and secures a better future for Nigerian children.
