Students Protest Poor Conditions at FCE in Lagos

Students of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Akoka, Lagos State, have taken to the streets to voice their grievances over the deteriorating state of infrastructure on their campus. The protest comes amid claims by the institution’s Provost, Dr. Wahab Azeez, that staff members with ulterior motives are behind the student-led demonstrations.

According to reports, the students staged protests on Monday and Tuesday, blocking roads in Akoka and surrounding areas. Their demands center around the inadequate facilities and poor conditions they face daily.

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Dr. Azeez recently alleged that the protesting students were influenced by staff members vying for his position. “Those students who are protesting,” he stated, “are being instigated by those staff members eyeing my position. In my five years as Provost, I’ve never had issues with students because of my background as a former Student Union leader—I understand their needs.”

However, the students persisted with their protest on Wednesday, expressing dissatisfaction with the college’s overall state. Salami Bolanle, the acting President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), emphasized their stance: “We are countering the Provost’s claims. The college’s condition is deplorable—be it the toilets, the sports field, or other facilities. Everyone is complaining, including lecturers. Contrary to the Provost’s assertion, it wasn’t lecturers who pushed us to protest; students have wanted to voice their concerns for a long time. Unfortunately, the Congress of Students rendered the SUG ineffective.” Bolanle added, “We have evidence to support our grievances.”

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Oyefara Enoch, the SUG Speaker, clarified that the students’ protest was not about questioning the Provost’s tenure but rather highlighting their treatment. “No college staff member is instigating this protest,” Enoch asserted. “Students are unhappy because they don’t see the value for their payments. Hostels are in disrepair, and sports facilities are subpar.”

Ogunwale Raphael, caretaker chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union, echoed similar sentiments. He explained that during a recent visit by the Governing Council, staff protests were ongoing. Raphael dismissed the notion that staff were inciting students: “Students are exercising their rights—they’re the ones affected by the inadequate facilities.”