A leadership crisis has erupted at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, following the emergence of two individuals laying claim to the position of Provost—Dr. Jonah Nwawuisi and Professor Agwu Ekwe, as reported by The Sun Nigeria.
Nwawuisi had been serving as Acting Provost since last year, while Ekwe was recently appointed as the substantive Provost on April 10, 2026. The development has sparked tension within the institution, with staff unions rejecting Ekwe’s appointment.
In protest, the Joint Union Action (JUA) and the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture (ASUCA) shut down the college gate and the Provost’s office, disrupting academic activities and heightening uncertainty on campus.
Chairman of JUA, Dr. ThankGod Nwaneri, described the situation as confusing, noting that both individuals issued directives as Provost, leaving staff unsure of whose authority to recognize.
He criticized the appointment process, alleging it bypassed due procedures. According to him, several qualified candidates had applied for the position since it was advertised in June 2025, yet none had been invited for interviews before Ekwe’s appointment was announced.
Nwaneri warned that appointing university professors to head Colleges of Agriculture could discourage career progression within the system and lead to brain drain. He also raised concerns over recent staff transfers, which he described as arbitrary and lacking transparency.
The unions have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging a reversal of Ekwe’s appointment and insisting that the position be filled by a qualified candidate from within the college system.
Similarly, ASUCA’s National President, Dr. Kadurumba Chukwuemeka, condemned the appointment, calling it a violation of established procedures. He demanded its immediate withdrawal and called for a transparent selection process across all affected colleges.
The union also issued a 14-day ultimatum to the authorities to resolve the matter, warning that failure to do so would result in the resumption of a previously suspended strike, potentially escalating the crisis nationwide.
Sun.ng of April 14th , 2026, reported the brewing crisis in the college which has greatly disrupted academic calendar can further be escalated if immediate action is not taken.
