Nigeria’s student’s apex body, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has sought the intervention of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, regarding the recall of the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Akoka, Dr Wahab Azeez.
Recall that Dr Azeez was asked to step aside in July 2024 due to a protracted crisis surrounding what a concerned group at the institution tagged tenure elongation.
Comrade Afeez Akinteye, NANS Senate President, in a statement made available to Daily Independent, emphasized that Dr. Azeez’s reappointment on July 31, 2024, is legal.
NANS further asserted that the accusations against the Provost were politically motivated and should not serve as grounds for disqualifying him from his role as the head of the institution.
Recall that Azeez was appointed provost in May 2019 for a four-year term of office.
He was reappointed for another four-year term and resumed the second term on May 26. On June 12, 2023, before an amended Federal Colleges of Education Act 2023, which stipulates a five-year single term for management officers of education colleges nationwide, came into effect, obviously after Azeez had started his journey into a second term of four years. While Azeez is saying the new law does not affect him.
NANS lamented that the situation at the College has forced students of the institution to become victims of the crisis as their interests concerning academics and welfare have been hampered.
The student body appealed to the minister of education to critically review the matter, uphold the principles of justice, and allow due process to prevail.
However, NANS appealed to the aggrieved staff of the institution to embrace the rule of law, due process, dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts to avoid further disruption of academic activities in the College, adding that the current situation of the institution does not foster learning in the school environment.
The statement read, “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has observed with keen interest the ongoing discourse surrounding the re-appointment of Dr. Wahab Ademola Azeez the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka. We wish to categorically state our position in the interest of justice, fairness, and the progress of the institution.
“The allegations levelled against the Provost, which led to his being temporarily asked to ‘step aside’ from office since July 31st, 2024, were largely politically motivated. These issues stemmed from the internal gang-up of some disgruntled staff members who parade themselves as ‘Concerned Staff’, which unfortunately dragged the Students’ Union into the fray, escalating tensions and disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the institution.
“After thorough investigations and consultations, it has become evident that many of the accusations against the Provost lack merit and were orchestrated to serve ulterior motives. Such politically motivated allegations should not form the basis for denying a qualified individual the opportunity to continue serving in his capacity as the Provost of the first College of Education Technical in Nigeria.
“In this atmosphere of octane politics going on in the College, the students who are the primary reason for the existence of the institution have become the victims as their interests with respect to academics and welfare have been hampered by the selfish activities of the ‘Concerned Staff’. This is in the buttress of the saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. The current situation of lawlessness and self-help doesn’t foster learning.
“We call on Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Honorable Minister of Education to critically review the matter, uphold the principles of justice, and allow due process to prevail. The Provost (Dr. Wahab Ademola Azeez) has contributed significantly to the development of FCET Akoka, including the construction of the first-ever two-storey Students Union building. His reappointment for the second term since 26th May 2023 was legal, based on merit and performance. Any influence of politically inclined ulterior motives that will affect the steady progress the Provost has set for our dear College should be stopped immediately.
“NANS believes in fostering unity, accountability, transparency, hard work and exemplary vision within our academic institutions. We urge all the stakeholders to prioritize the collective growth of FCET Akoka over personal interests. The education of Nigerian students should remain the central focus of all decisions.
“Finally, we appeal to the aggrieved staff to embrace the rule of law, due process, dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts to avoid further disruption of academic activities in our peaceful College. NANS remains committed to protecting the rights of Nigerian students and ensuring that justice is upheld in all matters affecting their welfare,” the statement reads.
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