The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC), Lagos, has raised the alarm over the worsening state of affairs at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka.
It lamented that the dangerous leadership vacuum and growing administrative irresponsibility continue to endanger the welfare, academic progress, and safety of Nigerian students.
This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by Comrade Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri, Chairman, NANS JCC Lagos State, and Comrade Ridwan Ajayi, Public Relations Officer (PRO), NANS JCC Lagos State.
Following its campus tour visits to FCE(T) Akoka and other institutions, the group said they were disheartened to witness firsthand the negligence, infrastructural decay, and deep frustrations among the student populace.
“Despite proper communication and formal letters seeking a dialogue with the college management, NANS JCC Lagos was deliberately ignored by the acting leadership of the institution.
“It is regrettable that the Acting Provost, Dr. Isaac Miller, alongside the College Registrar, Mr. Rasheed Dada, refused to meet with our delegation, a clear disregard for student representation and a betrayal of their duties as administrators.
“Even the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Adegbenjo, who is primarily responsible for students’ welfare, was conspicuously absent and failed to honour our visit.
“These actions, or lack thereof, confirm our worst fears that the institution, since the crisis that led to the imposition of ‘stepping aside’ on the Provost, has been running on autopilot for over eight months, leaving students as victims of systemic neglect and poor leadership,” they said.
They also lamented that the absence of proactive leadership and responsible governance at the college is not just threatening academic integrity but could soon endanger students’ lives. They demanded that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, intervene in the leadership crisis and resolve the issue of tenureship without further delay.
“That the Minister of Education institutes a fact-finding delegation to the institution to assess the state of learning, infrastructure, and students’ welfare.
“That all negligent officers including Dr. Isaac Miller (Acting Provost), Mr. Rasheed Dada (Registrar), and Dr. Adegbenjo (DSA) be held accountable for their refusal to engage in leadership at such a critical time.
“That the institution reaffirms its commitment to student-centered administration and ends the current culture of disregard and neglect. We, the Nigerian students of Lagos, will not remain silent while our colleagues suffer in silence.
“This press statement is not just a report, it is a warning. If urgent action is not taken, the consequences of this administrative vacuum may prove disastrous. We hope the government listens before it is too late.”
