The Federal College of Education, Technical (FCET) Akoka, Lagos, may face closure after violent clashes erupted on Monday, intensifying the ongoing conflict between staff, students, and Provost Dr. Wahab Azeez.
The turmoil, which began in May over allegations of tenure extension against Dr. Azeez, escalated into violence when workers and students reportedly attacked Governing Council Chairman Olatunde Adenuga and other council members, resulting in significant property damage.
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Ben Hundeyin confirmed the incident on X, noting that 32 individuals have been arrested. A viral video on X showed alleged students and workers vandalizing college vehicles and officials’ property.
Hundeyin explained that rioters blocked the college entrances and attacked arriving police officers with stones and water sachets.
The unrest stems from workers under the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN), FCET chapter, claiming Dr. Azeez’s tenure ended on May 26, following the amendment of the Educational Colleges Act 2023, which introduced a single five-year term for provosts. However, Dr. Azeez, appointed for a four-year term in 2019 and reappointed in 2023, argues his second term began before the amendment became law on June 12, 2023.
Despite Minister of Education Tahir Mamman’s affirmation of Dr. Azeez’s term, tensions remained high. The Governing Council’s visit to mediate was met with resistance, culminating in Monday’s violent attack after three months of unrest.
