Education Ministry Workers Block Alausa, Demand Minister’s Removal Over King’s College Dispute

Workers of the Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday blocked the entrance to the ministry’s headquarters, preventing Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa and Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Folake Olatunji-David from accessing their offices.

Videos circulating on social media showed a large number of workers gathered at the entrance as a motorcade reportedly carrying the minister arrived at the premises. The protesters prevented vehicles from gaining access to the ministry.

The workers were heard chanting “Alausa must go” as they maintained their blockade of the entrance.

The protest is linked to an ongoing dispute between ministry workers and the Federal Government over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos. Workers’ unions have opposed the reported plan to hand the school to its old boys’ association under a 35-year concession arrangement.

The unions have previously called for Alausa’s removal while also raising concerns about staff welfare and other administrative matters within the ministry.

The workers’ opposition to the King’s College concession has formed part of wider disagreements with the ministry’s management over the direction of government policy affecting federal unity schools and staff.

Wednesday’s action prevented the minister and acting permanent secretary from entering the ministry at the time of the protest, underscoring the continuing tension between the workers and the ministry’s leadership.

The latest demonstration suggests that recent engagements between government representatives and the workers have yet to resolve the issues at the centre of the dispute. Further developments are expected as both sides continue discussions over the concession plan, staff welfare and other outstanding demands.