Professor Agwu Ekwe, the designated Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, officially assumed leadership of the institution on Tuesday.
This resolution came after a period of intense leadership dispute. On Monday, the college faced a crisis as two individuals emerged claiming the provost position, forcing a complete halt to all academic activities. Both academic and non-academic staff indicated that the turmoil stemmed from alleged deviations from the established rules for appointing a Provost within Colleges of Agriculture.
The initial confusion and high tension caused the new Provost, Professor Ekwe, to be unable to enter the institution. Dr. ThankGod Nwaneri, Chairman of the Joint Union Action, described his predicament, noting he received contradictory directives from both Dr. Jonah Nwawuisi and Professor Agwu Ekwe, leaving him uncertain whom to follow.
Nevertheless, the situation dramatically changed on Tuesday. The substantive Provost, Professor Ekwe, arrived at the college accompanied by a substantial security detail, including soldiers, police officers, and DSS officials. The main entrance gate, previously locked by union members, was forced open, enabling Professor Ekwe to enter and address the staff and students present.
A source confirmed that the acting Provost, Dr. Nwawuisi Jonah, had formally handed over his responsibilities to the new Provost, acting on a federal government directive. Reportedly, the Joint Union Action permitted the security agencies to open the gate, facilitating Professor Ekwe’s entry and subsequent engagement with the college community.
