Returning Students of FCE-T, Lagos Still Fume Over Levy, Unresolved Issues, 2 Months After Closure

Students of the Federal College of Education, Technical (FCE-T), Akoka Lagos, are expressing their anger and frustration towards the school authorities as they prepare to return to campus today, November 4, following a two-month closure sparked by violent protests. The students are threatening to resume protests over a newly imposed N10,000 levy and unresolved issues that contributed to the school's shutdown.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Lagos Joint Campus issued a statement highlighting the potential for unrest if the college management fails to address the ongoing grievances. The college was closed in August after a leadership crisis escalated into violence, culminating in an attack on the Governing Council Chairman, Olatunde Adenuga, and other officials, with reports of vandalism of vehicles and property.

NANS condemned the imposition of the flat fee on all students as both unfair and insensitive, particularly in light of Nigeria's current economic hardships. The organization emphasized that the collective punishment fails to address the root causes of the unrest and unfairly penalizes students who were not involved in the previous disturbances.

"This fee, said to cover damages from the recent upheaval, has taken students by surprise," the statement read. "Many families are already struggling to meet basic needs, and this added burden is unacceptable. We urge the management to reconsider this decision, or we will be left with no choice but to stage peaceful protests to voice our discontent."

The crisis at FCE-T began in July when the Governing Council directed Provost Dr. Wahab Ademola Azeez to step aside, appointing Dr. Isaac Miller as acting provost. This decision was part of the council's efforts to investigate allegations of maladministration and financial impropriety, alongside a special committee formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the riots.

Two months later, the findings of the investigative panels remain undisclosed, leaving students and staff demanding accountability and resolution. Many have voiced their concerns, questioning the rationale behind penalizing the entire student body while the actual perpetrators of the riot are being dealt with legally.

"Why are we being punished when those who caused the disruption are already in court? We need to see the results of the investigations," questioned Segun Olusola, a second-year student.

The protests that began on May 27 were fueled by discontent over the provost's tenure, which students and staff argued had expired under the amended Educational Colleges Act 2023. Despite intervention from former education ministers, the tensions remained unresolved, with protests continuing as students demanded clarity and fairness regarding leadership issues.

As FCE-T reopens, the future of student relations with the college administration remains uncertain, with many calling for immediate dialogue and action to ensure a peaceful academic environment.

In light of these events, the college management faces mounting pressure to address student concerns promptly or risk further unrest on campus.