Photo caption: ASCSN logo
*Suspends industrial action
By Charles Okonji
The National Leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and the Trade Union Congress have insisted that the Federal Government constitutes a joint review committee over the controversial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession model for King’s College, Lagos.
This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed and the Secretary General, Comrade Joshua Apebo.
According to the statement; “ASCSN extends its warmest solidarity and deepest appreciation to you all for your unwavering steadfastness, unity, and resilience in defending the future of our public institutions and our collective career progression.
“Following our declaration of an industrial action over the controversial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession model for King’s College, Lagos, the leadership of ASCSN, alongside our parent body, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), was invited to an emergency high-level meeting with the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.
“The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Folake Olatunji David, in attendance.
“Core Resolutions Achieved: Establishment of a Joint Review Committee: A seven-member committee has been formally constituted, including labour representations, to comprehensively review the document presented by the FME for implementation in other to address stakeholders’ concerns regarding the King’s College concession.
“Guaranteed Job Security: The Honourable Minister gave an explicit, ironclad assurance that no staff of the college will be victimized in any form, either by retrenchment, posting or demotion in the course of the exercise. However, staff of the College will be at liberty to decide on their retention in the College.
“Ownership of the College: The Ministry reclarified that the Federal Government maintains 100% legal ownership and oversight of King’s College, and that public access to Institution will remain in line with the Federal Government Policy.
“School Fees: During the meeting, the Ministry affirmed that there will be no school fees increase outside the Federal Government policy on affordable education as it applies to all Federal Unity School.”
The statement reads that the committee has maximum of two (2) weeks to identify areas of concerns and make recommendations for inclusion in the document.
“In view of these positive concessions and in strict compliance with the principles of collective bargaining, the leadership of ASCSN and TUC has resolved to suspend the ongoing industrial action with immediate effect, pending the submission of the report of the Committee.
“Consequently, members across all Federal Unity Colleges nationwide are hereby directed to resume their normal official duties while they await further directives from the National Leadership of the Association.
“While we approach this review window in good faith, leadership wishes to state clearly that this suspension is conditional. If the committee fails to accommodate the concern raised by labour represetatives, the union will not hesitate to reactivate the suspended industrial action without further notice.
“We urge all Chapter and Unit executives to remain vigilant and monitor developments closely as the committee begins its work.
Thank you for your courage and loyalty to the cause.” The statement reads.
