ALVAN Ikoku boils over Provost's prolonged stay

www.odogwublog.com reports that fresh crisis is brewing at the Alvan Ikokwu College of Education,Owerri ,Imo state, as workers under the aegis of Joint Action Congress on Wednesday brought activities the institution to a halt in protest against the acting Provost, Dr Dan Anyanwu.

The workers consisted of the members of National Association of Academic Technology; Non Academic Union; Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education in Nigeria; and College of Education Academic Staff Union.

The protesting workers demanded that the acting Provost should step aside, because his acting capacity has elapsed six months. They were however stopped from seeing him. 

Trouble started when JAC, ALVAN chapter chairman, Dr Benjamin Nwokedi,announced that the Unions will commence on an immediate indefinite strike, to press home their demand. 

However, some workers appeared displeased with the call, and the situation degenerated into a free for all. 

It took the quick intervention of the policemen on ground, before the situation became worse. 

Addressing journalists, Dr Nwokedi said that the members of staff were demanding among other things the immediate step aside of the acting Provost of the institution, because his acting capacity elapsed on March 16, 2018 and it has not been renewed.

Anyanwu argued that it was unconstitutional for the acting Provost to continue to remain in office since his tenure had elapsed.

According him "We have therefore embarked on an immediate indefinite strike action. This is because the six months acting tenure of the acting provost, Dr Dan Anyanwu elapsed on March 16. The four Unions that make up JAC demand that hence the acting provost has indicated interest to vie for the the substantive provost he steps aside", Anyanwu said.

Further, he said "Members believe that as the acting Provost who is vying to become substantive, he would unduly manipulate the process in his favour. We stand on the Abuja accord which mandated him to step aside since he is vying for the substantive position ". 

The erstwhile Provost, Dr (Mrs) Ijioma was forced to vacate office after the board approved a tenure elongation for her after she was due for retirement. Anyanwu took over from her.