Some unions under the Joint Workers Council of the Federal Ministry of Education have rejected the Trade Union Congress’ suspension of industrial action and renewed their demand for the reversal of the concession of King’s College, Lagos.
The unions stated that the TUC was not directly involved in their protest or negotiations with the government and therefore had no basis to suspend the action.
The Chairman of the Joint Council, Abraham Onuche, spoke on Tuesday during a protest at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja. He said the workers had been protesting for three days over the proposed concession, which they described as a threat to public education.
He questioned the decision by the TUC to announce a suspension after meeting with the minister, arguing that the congress had not participated in the dispute or negotiations.
The unions barricaded the ministry’s entrance as part of the protest and said they wanted the government to consult with them before proceeding with the concession.
He questioned the planned deployment of teachers from King’s College while new staff were being recruited and warned that the concession could create uncertainty for affected workers.
The council further warned that allowing the concession of King’s College to proceed could establish a precedent for similar arrangements involving other Federal Unity Colleges.
Another union leader, Chigozie Ngadi of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, said the protest was also aimed at protecting access to quality education, particularly for children from less privileged families.
The unions said they would continue pressing for the reversal of the concession and meaningful engagement with the government.
