King’s College concession: Workers resist alumni takeover, clash with police

A clash erupted at King's College, Lagos, on Tuesday as protesting staff union members obstructed the school's gates, preventing the Old Boys' Association from entering the compound to hold a press conference. The Old Boys' Association had planned to address journalists outside the main gate, claiming the Federal Government had transferred management of the college to them in a public-private partnership deal.

The association's president, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, stated that the arrangement aimed to improve the institution's infrastructure and did not involve selling the school. He assured teachers that their salaries and allowances would be doubled if they chose to remain under the new arrangement. However, the protesting staff continued to sing solidarity songs and resisted the opening of the gates, leading to tension with police.

Eventually, an agreement was reached for the Old Boys' Association to hold their meeting within the school premises the following day, with representatives from both sides to discuss the issue peacefully.