The Federal Government has suspended the planned takeover of King’s College, Lagos, by the school’s Old Boys’ Association for two weeks.

The decision followed a meeting between the education ministers and representatives of education-sector labour unions in Abuja on Wednesday.

The government also ordered the withdrawal of police officers deployed to the school, while the unions agreed to suspend their industrial action.

A seven-member committee will now review and negotiate the government’s agreement with the King’s College Old Boys’ Association.

The dispute began after workers protested the concession, arguing that it could amount to privatising the Federal Government-owned unity school.

However, the government says King’s College has not been sold or privatised, stressing that ownership remains with the Federal Government.

The Old Boys’ Association also maintains that it only intends to manage and improve the school, promising not to increase school fees or sack teachers.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa says the arrangement applies only to King’s College and will not be extended to other Unity Colleges.

He added that about 20 Unity Colleges are being considered for rehabilitation using approximately 20 million dollars redirected from a World Bank-supported programme.