The union has directed teachers under its fold to return to the classrooms, easing uncertainty that had surrounded the reopening of the colleges for the first term following the strike by workers under the Joint Workers Committee of Unions (JWC) of the Federal Ministry of Education.
ASCSN represents a significant segment of workers in the ministry, including teachers across the 117 Federal Unity Colleges. The union had joined the industrial action over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, as well as other grievances concerning the Federal Ministry of Education.
In a statement on Friday, ASCSN Secretary-General, Comrade Gamaliel Acho, said the union suspended the strike after a conciliatory meeting involving the Federal Ministry of Education and other organised labour unions on September 17, 2026.
The meeting agreed to put the proposed concession of King’s College on hold for two weeks to allow for further consultation and a comprehensive review of the arrangement.
A seven-man high-level committee has subsequently been constituted to examine the concession agreement and other related issues.
The committee comprises representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, organised labour, the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour.
“The Committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations within two weeks,” Acho said.
He explained that ASCSN had consequently directed its members to suspend the industrial action pending the outcome of the committee’s review, in accordance with the signed communiqué.
The union welcomed the willingness of the education authorities to engage with labour and address the issues that triggered the dispute.
Acho specifically commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; the Acting Permanent Secretary; directors and other ministry officials for their participation in the conciliatory process.
According to him, Alausa also offered an “unreserved apology” over what ASCSN described as inadequate prior engagement with affected stakeholders within the union.
The ASCSN secretary-general also praised members of the Joint Workers Committee of Unions for their “determination, resilience and solidarity”, while acknowledging the support of the Parent-Teacher Association of King’s College, Lagos, as well as staff and union members across the 117 Federal Unity Colleges.
Police Withdrawn From King’s College
As part of the agreements reached during the discussions, the police detachment deployed to King’s College, Lagos, has been withdrawn.
The parties also agreed that staff members who participated in the industrial action would not face victimisation, harassment, sanctions or punishment as a result of their involvement in the dispute.
“ASCSN notes the immediate withdrawal of the police detachment deployed to King’s College, Lagos, and the agreement that no staff member shall be victimised, harassed, sanctioned or punished for participating in the industrial action,” Acho said.
The union said the development was necessary to create an atmosphere conducive to further discussions and the resolution of the disagreement.
Acho said ASCSN remained committed to resolving the matter through dialogue and lawful processes.
“We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, constructive engagement, rule of law and due process, and will participate actively and responsibly in the review process,” he said.
He urged union members and other stakeholders to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the committee conducts its assignment.
The suspension of the strike, he stressed, should not be interpreted as an abandonment of the issues that led to the industrial action but as an opportunity for the parties to work towards a mutually acceptable resolution.
Labour Plans King’s College Visit
Meanwhile, The Guardian gathered that labour unions have concluded plans to visit King’s College as part of their fact-finding exercise.
The visit is expected to enable union representatives to inspect the school’s infrastructure, examine concerns surrounding the proposed concession and obtain firsthand information that could assist their participation in the review process.
The proposed concession had become a major source of disagreement between the Federal Ministry of Education and organised labour, with unions accusing the ministry of taking important decisions without adequate consultation with affected stakeholders.
The unions had also raised concerns about the management of the ministry and other administrative matters.
The dispute created uncertainty for parents and students as the new academic term commenced, with concerns mounting over the impact of the industrial action on teaching and learning in the affected institutions.
Some schools were reportedly unable to fully resume academic activities despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
With ASCSN now ordering its members to return to work, attention has shifted to the seven-man committee and the outcome of its two-week review.
The committee is expected to examine the proposed concession, consider the concerns raised by labour and other stakeholders, and submit its recommendations.
Its report is likely to shape the next phase of discussions over the future of King’s College, Lagos, while the resumption of teachers in the Federal Unity Colleges is expected to restore academic activities and provide relief to students and parents affected by the disruption.