The Provost of the Federal College of Education, Technical, Akoka, Lagos, Dr. Ademola Azeez, revealed that certain disgruntled staff members are attempting to tarnish the College’s reputation.
He stated that part of their orchestrated plan involved preventing campus cleaners from performing their duties, resulting in a dirty environment and unkempt facilities.
Dr. Azeez disclosed this in an interview with the online platform The News Now, in response to viral videos and pictures depicting the College in an unhygienic state.
He explained that this situation is a deliberate effort by staff members dissatisfied with his reappointment for a second term, aimed at creating chaos within the College.
The Provost also noted that these misinformed staff members had locked his office for over a month and threatened any cleaner who attempted to work.
However, Dr. Azeez mentioned that the deployment of security personnel has allowed the cleaners to resume their duties and restore cleanliness on campus.
According to him, the 57-year-old institution has seen significant infrastructural renewal under his leadership over the past five years.
He emphasized his commitment to upgrading the institution to a Federal University of Technical Education.
In a swift reaction, the Secretary of the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN), FCE(T), Akoka-Yaba Chapter, Comrade Kazeem Olasupo Quadri, stated that the Ministry of Education’s response to Dr. Azeez’s tenure was inconsistent with the Act, describing it as a “response bought on the black market.”
He disclosed that the Ministry has invited all parties to a decision-making meeting on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Abuja.
Comrade Quadri insisted that the majority of the college staff and the Student Union have rejected the Provost’s reappointment, noting that the campus is now filled with dirt and the toilets are in a sorry state.
He clarified that academic activities have not been disrupted since the protest began on May 27, 2024, and students have been attending lectures, with some currently taking exams.
The union leader lamented that the College has been militarized, with five Hilux vehicles filled with heavily armed policemen.
He concluded by stating that Dr. Azeez’s tenure expired on May 26, 2024, after five years, in accordance with the Act, and he has refused to vacate office, despite his poor performance, which is being supported by the Ministry of Education.
