Crisis has emerged at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, following the appointment of two provosts. Dr. Jonah Nwawuisi remains in place as Acting Provost, while Professor Agwu Ekwe was appointed substantive Provost on April 10, 2026. The Joint Union Action (JUA) and the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture (ASUCA) rejected Ekwe's appointment, calling it illegal. On Monday, the unions locked the school gate and the Provost's office, halting academic activities. Protests erupted on campus as union members demanded adherence to due process. Dr. ThankGod Nwaneri, Chairman of JUA, stated that conflicting directives from both provosts created confusion over whom to obey. He questioned the legitimacy of Ekwe's appointment, noting that qualified internal candidates had not been interviewed despite submitting applications. The unions previously challenged the transfer of the College Registrar, Procurement Officer, and former Director of Works to other states.
The leadership tussle at the Federal College of Agriculture directly disrupts learning and creates uncertainty for students and staff, with academic activities on hold amid protests. When administrative appointments bypass transparent processes, institutional stability suffers, affecting teaching, results, and student progress.
This situation reflects recurring governance challenges in Nigeria's tertiary institutions, where appointments often spark disputes due to perceived lack of transparency. It echoes broader concerns in the education sector, including those seen in university vice-chancellor selections and NYSC mobilization delays, where procedural fairness impacts public trust. For students, prolonged crises can delay graduations and job readiness.
Affected students should monitor official college channels and the Federal Ministry of Education for updates while maintaining academic records and assignments to minimize disruption when activities resume.
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