Odita Sunday 
Tension Eases as Ekwe Assumes Office Amid Security Presence at Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu
Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki
The leadership crisis at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the newly appointed substantive Provost, Professor Agwu Ekwe, formally assumed office under tight security, a day after being resisted by staff of the institution.
The college had been thrown into confusion on Monday when Ekwe first attempted to take over leadership, but was blocked by both academic and non-academic staff who locked the institution’s main gate and the Provost’s office in protest against his appointment.
The workers argued that the process did not comply with established guidelines for appointing a Provost.
The protest led to a shutdown of academic activities, as unions staged demonstrations within the campus, forcing the incoming Provost to withdraw amid heightened tension.
Chairman of the Joint Union Action Committee, Dr. ThankGod Nwaneri, had earlier expressed concern over what he described as a leadership vacuum, noting that both the Acting Provost, Dr. Jonah Nwawuisi, and Ekwe were issuing conflicting directives.
“Before now, we had an Acting Provost, Dr. Jonah Nwawuisi. The appointment announced on April 10 is questionable. At this point, we do not know who the legitimate Provost is, as both individuals have issued instructions,” Nwaneri said, adding that due process, including interviews for qualified applicants, was allegedly not followed.
However, the situation shifted on Tuesday when Ekwe returned to the campus accompanied by security operatives, including soldiers, police officers, and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The locked gates were forced open, allowing the new Provost access into the premises, where he addressed available staff and students, effectively taking charge of the institution.
National President of the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture, Dr. Kadurumba Chukwuemeka, confirmed the development, stating that the Acting Provost had complied with a directive to hand over.
“The Acting Provost, Dr. Nwawuisi, has handed over in line with a federal government directive. The unions chose not to resist the security presence to avoid violence,” he said.
Despite the takeover, concerns over the appointment process and staff grievances remain, raising questions about the long-term resolution of the leadership dispute.
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