Education Minister Intervenes in Lagos College Tenure Dispute

In a significant move to resolve a tenure dispute at the Federal College of Education, Technical, Akoka, Lagos, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, has instructed the Provost, Dr. Ademola Azeez, to resume his official duties. This decision follows a reconciliation meeting held in Abuja between the provost and representatives of the protesting workers.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been at the center of this controversy, having previously mandated all holders of the Permit for Non-commercial Flights (PNCF) to undergo a re-evaluation, which should have been concluded by April 19, 2024. However, due to the failure of 10 private jet operators to comply, the NCAA announced their suspension on Friday. This decision, outlined in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, aligns with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, which prohibits PNCF holders from using their aircraft for commercial operations.

The ongoing dispute at the Federal College of Education, Technical, Akoka, Lagos, began in May when aggrieved workers locked Dr. Azeez’s office during a protest. The staff members argued that the provost’s tenure had ended on May 26, 2024, according to Section 13, Subsections 7a and b of the new Act signed by President Bola Tinubu. However, Dr. Azeez maintained that he was appointed for a first term of four years in 2019 and was duly reappointed for a second term in 2023 before the amended act was signed into law on June 12, 2023.

In response to letters from the unions seeking clarification on the tenure, the Minister of State for Education affirmed the legality of Dr. Azeez’s second term of four years in May. Despite this affirmation, the protesters continued their daily demonstrations on the campus.

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The reconciliation meeting, chaired by Dr. Sununu, included key stakeholders such as the Director of Colleges of Education in the ministry, Dr. Uchenna Uba, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the college, Dr. Adenuga Olatunde, and representatives from various staff unions. The meeting concluded with several resolutions:

1. The key to the provost’s office should be handed over to the Chairman of the Governing Council.
2. The ongoing daily protests by the workers should end immediately.
3. The provost should operate under the supervision of the Governing Council Chairman.
4. The council should investigate allegations of misappropriation of funds intended for the college’s fencing.
5. Immediate measures should be taken to improve the conditions of the offices of chief lecturers, or allow them to return to their former offices.
6. The governing council should address the issue regarding the appointment of the institution’s bursar.

This intervention by the Minister of State for Education aims to restore order and ensure the smooth operation of the Federal College of Education, Technical, Akoka, Lagos. The resolutions reached at the meeting are expected to foster a harmonious working environment and address the concerns of all parties involved.

Source: Punch

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