32 students arrested over riot at College of Education, Akoka-Lagos

It was gathered that the rioters made up of staff of the college and students attacked a team from the Federal Ministry of Education, who were at the school to mediate the ongoing impasse between the Provost of the college, Dr. Wahab Azeez and union leaders.

The rioters also damaged the provost’s official quarters.

The union leaders have accused Azeez of refusing to vacate office after completing five years term, having been appointed on May 26, 2019, in line with the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023 (repealing the former Act of 2004).

However, Azeez is insisting that his tenure has not ended, having been reappointed in January 2023 for another four-year term.

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This had led to continuous daily protests by college staff, cutting across all unions.

Some weeks ago, the embattled provost had called for the intervention of government and security forces in the ongoing impasse.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who announced the arrest of suspects said normalcy has been restored in the school.

“For over three months, staff of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka locked out their Provost, depriving him use of his office.

“A team set up by the Minister of Education arrived the school today to mediate the ongoing impasse. However, staff of the college aided by students attacked the team from Abuja, damaging over five vehicles and the Provost’s official quarters.

“Not done, the rioting staff and students also blocked all entrances in and out of the college. The police arrived the scene and restored normalcy after being attacked with stones and sachets of water by the rioters.

“Meanwhile, thirty-two suspects have been arrested while men of the Nigeria Police Force from Area Command, Surulere remain on ground to ensure that the restored peace remains intact,” Hundeyin said on Monday evening.

32 students arrested over riot at College of Education, Akoka-Lagos