Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu: Prof Agwu Ekwe Takes Over Leadership After Crisis

A leadership dispute at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu in Ebonyi State eased on Tuesday after Prof. Agwu Ekwe took over administration of the institution.

The development followed a day of disruption on Monday, when disagreements over the appointment of a provost led to the emergence of two claimants to the office. Academic and non-academic activities were suspended as staff questioned the process that produced the rival appointments.

Union representatives said the confusion stemmed from disputes over compliance with the rules guiding the appointment of a provost in colleges of agriculture. The situation escalated to the point where access to the campus was restricted after staff unions shut the main gate.

On Tuesday, Prof. Ekwe assumed control of the institution and entered the campus after the gate was opened following the involvement of security personnel. Police, soldiers, and operatives of the Department of State Services were present during the development.

He later addressed staff and students on the premises.

A union leader, Dr. ThankGod Nwaneri, said he received conflicting directives from both Prof. Ekwe and Dr. Jonah Nwawuisi during the dispute, describing the situation as unclear at the time.

According to a source within the institution, Dr. Nwawuisi had stepped down in line with a federal directive, clearing the way for Prof. Ekwe’s assumption of office.

The matter had briefly paralysed academic activities at the campus located in Ishiagu before operations resumed under the new leadership.