The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes (ASURI) has condemned the call for industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture (ASUCA), following tensions at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu (FCAI), Ebonyi State, over the leadership of the institution.
ASURI accused ASUCA of disrupting academic activities and attempting to impose its demands on other unions within the college, particularly in relation to the appointment of the substantive Provost, Professor Agwu Ekwe Agwu.
In a statement titled “Planned shutdown of Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu”, signed by ASURI FCAI Chapter Chairman, Iwundu Kenneth Chigozie, and Secretary, Obulafor Obilor, the union alleged that ASUCA’s agitation has contributed to instability and academic setbacks in the institution.
The statement claimed that since the appointment of Professor Agwu Ekwe Agwu as Provost, ASUCA has repeatedly staged protests and opposed his leadership, describing such actions as disruptive to academic operations.
ASURI further alleged that the ongoing union rivalry has affected the academic calendar of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, noting delays in key academic activities, including matriculation, while other similar institutions progress with examinations.
According to the union, the continuous agitation has negatively impacted students and staff, stressing that industrial disputes should not be used to override the rights of other workers within the institution.
ASURI maintained that no union has the authority to dominate others, insisting on a lawful and peaceful working environment where all staff associations can operate freely without intimidation.
The statement reaffirmed support for the current leadership of the college, stating that Professor Agwu Ekwe Agwu remains the duly appointed Provost and should be allowed to carry out his duties without disruption.
ASURI also argued that any industrial action by ASUCA should be restricted strictly to its members and should not be extended to other unions or disrupt academic activities.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of FCAI Ishiagu, Dr. Chris Nweke, confirmed awareness of plans by ASUCA to embark on a nationwide strike involving colleges of agriculture across Nigeria.
He noted that while ASUCA had raised concerns over unmet federal government demands, the issue of removing the Provost was not part of the agreed conditions.
Dr. Nweke clarified that the institution has only one recognised Provost, Professor Agwu Ekwe Agwu, dismissing claims suggesting otherwise.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from ASUCA were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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