FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ABEOKUTA SUSPENDS FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS FOLLOWING COEASU STRIKE, 2024
The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has suspended its ongoing first-semester examinations (2024) following the commencement of a one-month industrial action declared by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU). The development occurred at a time when students of the institution were already participating in their first-semester examinations.
The suspension of the examinations became necessary after COEASU directed its members across Colleges of Education in Nigeria to withdraw their services and commence a nationwide industrial strike. The action has consequently disrupted academic activities in the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, as well as other Federal and State Colleges of Education across the country.
Speaking with journalists in his office on Monday, Dr. Smart Olugbeko expressed concern over the consequences of prolonged industrial actions on educational institutions, students and their parents. According to him, industrial strikes have far-reaching negative effects that extend beyond the immediate disruption of academic activities.
Dr. Smart stressed the need for the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Education, to urgently intervene in the dispute and reach an acceptable resolution with the academic union. He noted that the continued disagreement between the government and the union could have serious consequences for the education sector if not addressed promptly.
He explained that the absence of students from the College would also have financial implications for the institution because the College depends partly on revenue generated from students and related academic activities. When students are not present on campus, the institution's internally generated revenue is affected.
The COEASU leadership also expressed concern about the effect of the strike on the academic calendar. According to the union, prolonged industrial action could disrupt the normal progression of students through their programmes. A programme that is designed to last for three years could eventually take longer to complete if academic activities are repeatedly interrupted.
Dr. Smart further observed that the strike could result in the current academic session being extended into the following year. Such an extension, he noted, would place additional financial and psychological pressure on parents and guardians who already bear the cost of their children's education.
The College authorities therefore appealed to the Federal Government to accelerate negotiations with COEASU and resolve the outstanding issues. According to Dr. Smart, an immediate agreement between the two parties would help reduce the psychological, academic and economic consequences of the industrial action.
He also explained that students had been asked to leave the College premises during the strike period. The decision was taken partly as a precautionary measure to prevent possible misconduct and other untoward activities that could arise from keeping students on campus when academic activities had been suspended.
COEASU DECLARES FOUR-WEEK INDUSTRIAL ACTION
The industrial action followed a decision by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union to direct all its members to commence a one-month strike. The decision was reached at a meeting held at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State, where the union reviewed the Federal Government's response to its demands. The meeting took place after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum previously issued to the Federal Government over several unresolved industrial and welfare-related matters.
The President of COEASU, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, and the General Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Bazza Lawan, communicated the decision through a press statement made available to journalists.
The union stated that the total strike action which had previously been suspended in December 2018 would be resumed for an initial period of four weeks. At the end of the four-week period, the National Executive Council would reconvene to evaluate the government's level of commitment towards resolving the outstanding issues and determine the next course of action.
The union also directed its various congresses across the federation to meet and properly communicate the reasons for the resumption of the strike to their members. In addition, the leadership at the national, zonal and chapter levels was instructed to intensify public enlightenment and media campaigns so that Nigerians would understand the issues responsible for the industrial dispute.
COEASU emphasized that the strike was intended to be total. Consequently, academic staff in both Federal and State Colleges of Education were directed to withdraw from their statutory responsibilities without exemption throughout the period of the industrial action.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO COEASU DEMANDS
Despite the commencement of the strike, some steps had reportedly been taken by the Federal Government to address the grievances of the union. Among these was the inauguration of a renegotiation team for the FGN-COEASU 2010 Agreement.
The Federal Government had also reportedly revalidated and approved the release of N15 billion as a revitalisation fund for Federal and State Colleges of Education. The fund was expected to support the improvement of infrastructure and other essential facilities within the institutions.
However, COEASU expressed dissatisfaction with what it regarded as insufficient progress in resolving the broader issues that had prompted the industrial action.
The union also condemned what it described as oppressive measures taken against some of its members and leaders. Particular criticism was directed at the Provost of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, over alleged attempts to stop the national warning strike at the institution, including the reported arrest and suspension of some chapter executive members.
The union further criticised the governments of Oyo, Benue, Plateau and Ebonyi States for enforcing the "no work, no pay" policy without what COEASU described as adequate prior engagement through collective bargaining. The union maintained that it had consistently shown willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue and alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms.
CAUSES OF STRIKE IN FEDERAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
The industrial dispute at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, reflects some of the broader challenges confronting tertiary institutions in Nigeria. For many years, issues relating to staff welfare, funding, infrastructure, salaries and government policies have remained major sources of tension between educational institutions, workers' unions and government authorities.
One of the significant concerns raised during industrial disputes has been the issue of inadequate funding and the alleged delay in addressing workers' financial and welfare demands. Lecturers and other members of academic staff have often expressed frustration over poor working conditions, inadequate teaching facilities and insufficient resources required for effective academic delivery.
In many institutions, deteriorating infrastructure has also become a major concern. Some classrooms require renovation, while laboratories, libraries and other academic facilities may not have adequate equipment. These challenges can make teaching and learning more difficult for both lecturers and students.
Another issue is the growing pressure on available academic resources. Overcrowded classrooms, insufficient academic staff and inadequate student-support services can place considerable pressure on lecturers and negatively affect students' learning experiences.
As these challenges continue without satisfactory solutions, workers' unions may resort to industrial action as a means of drawing the government's attention to their grievances. Meetings, consultations and petitions may precede such actions, with unions demanding improved welfare, better infrastructure, prompt payment of entitlements and greater government commitment to the development of tertiary education.
When negotiations fail to produce acceptable outcomes, industrial action can eventually become unavoidable. The consequences, however, extend beyond the government and academic staff.
EFFECTS OF THE STRIKE ON STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE COLLEGE
The suspension of academic activities has immediate consequences for students. Lectures are interrupted, examinations are postponed and students may experience uncertainty about when their programme will resume. For students approaching graduation, prolonged disruptions can be particularly frustrating because they may delay their completion dates.
Parents and guardians are also affected financially. When academic sessions are extended, families may have to provide additional funds for accommodation, feeding, transportation and other educational expenses.
The local economy can equally suffer. Businesses around the College that depend heavily on students, including food vendors, transport operators, accommodation providers, printing businesses and other small enterprises, may experience reduced patronage when students are sent away from campus.
The reputation and academic standing of institutions can also be affected by repeated industrial disputes. The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, which has built a reputation for academic development and teacher education over several decades, may face challenges in maintaining a stable academic calendar whenever prolonged strikes occur.
Ultimately, the recurring industrial disputes within Nigeria's tertiary education system demonstrate the urgent need for stronger communication and sustainable conflict-resolution mechanisms between the government and academic unions.
Rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into prolonged strikes, all stakeholders should prioritise constructive dialogue, negotiation and compromise. The government should respond promptly to legitimate concerns, while unions should continue to pursue peaceful and constructive methods of engagement.
A stable academic environment is essential for effective teaching and learning. Resolving the issues responsible for industrial actions will therefore benefit not only academic staff but also students, parents, educational institutions and the Nigerian economy as a whole. The situation at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, serves as a reminder that sustainable investment, responsible governance and continuous dialogue are necessary to preserve the quality and continuity of tertiary education in Nigeria.
FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ABEOKUTA SUSPENDS FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS FOLLOWING COEASU STRIKE, 2024
The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has suspended its ongoing first-semester examinations (2024) following the commencement of a one-month industrial action declared by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU). The development occurred at a time when students of the institution were already participating in their first-semester examinations.
The suspension of the examinations became necessary after COEASU directed its members across Colleges of Education in Nigeria to withdraw their services and commence a nationwide industrial strike. The action has consequently disrupted academic activities in the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, as well as other Federal and State Colleges of Education across the country.
Speaking with journalists in his office on Monday, Dr. Smart Olugbeko expressed concern over the consequences of prolonged industrial actions on educational institutions, students and their parents. According to him, industrial strikes have far-reaching negative effects that extend beyond the immediate disruption of academic activities.
Dr. Smart stressed the need for the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Education, to urgently intervene in the dispute and reach an acceptable resolution with the academic union. He noted that the continued disagreement between the government and the union could have serious consequences for the education sector if not addressed promptly.
He explained that the absence of students from the College would also have financial implications for the institution because the College depends partly on revenue generated from students and related academic activities. When students are not present on campus, the institution's internally generated revenue is affected.
The COEASU leadership also expressed concern about the effect of the strike on the academic calendar. According to the union, prolonged industrial action could disrupt the normal progression of students through their programmes. A programme that is designed to last for three years could eventually take longer to complete if academic activities are repeatedly interrupted.
Dr. Smart further observed that the strike could result in the current academic session being extended into the following year. Such an extension, he noted, would place additional financial and psychological pressure on parents and guardians who already bear the cost of their children's education.
The College authorities therefore appealed to the Federal Government to accelerate negotiations with COEASU and resolve the outstanding issues. According to Dr. Smart, an immediate agreement between the two parties would help reduce the psychological, academic and economic consequences of the industrial action.
He also explained that students had been asked to leave the College premises during the strike period. The decision was taken partly as a precautionary measure to prevent possible misconduct and other untoward activities that could arise from keeping students on campus when academic activities had been suspended.
COEASU DECLARES FOUR-WEEK INDUSTRIAL ACTION
The industrial action followed a decision by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union to direct all its members to commence a one-month strike. The decision was reached at a meeting held at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State, where the union reviewed the Federal Government's response to its demands. The meeting took place after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum previously issued to the Federal Government over several unresolved industrial and welfare-related matters.
The President of COEASU, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, and the General Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Bazza Lawan, communicated the decision through a press statement made available to journalists.
The union stated that the total strike action which had previously been suspended in December 2018 would be resumed for an initial period of four weeks. At the end of the four-week period, the National Executive Council would reconvene to evaluate the government's level of commitment towards resolving the outstanding issues and determine the next course of action.
The union also directed its various congresses across the federation to meet and properly communicate the reasons for the resumption of the strike to their members. In addition, the leadership at the national, zonal and chapter levels was instructed to intensify public enlightenment and media campaigns so that Nigerians would understand the issues responsible for the industrial dispute.
COEASU emphasized that the strike was intended to be total. Consequently, academic staff in both Federal and State Colleges of Education were directed to withdraw from their statutory responsibilities without exemption throughout the period of the industrial action.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO COEASU DEMANDS
Despite the commencement of the strike, some steps had reportedly been taken by the Federal Government to address the grievances of the union. Among these was the inauguration of a renegotiation team for the FGN-COEASU 2010 Agreement.
The Federal Government had also reportedly revalidated and approved the release of N15 billion as a revitalisation fund for Federal and State Colleges of Education. The fund was expected to support the improvement of infrastructure and other essential facilities within the institutions.
However, COEASU expressed dissatisfaction with what it regarded as insufficient progress in resolving the broader issues that had prompted the industrial action.
The union also condemned what it described as oppressive measures taken against some of its members and leaders. Particular criticism was directed at the Provost of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, over alleged attempts to stop the national warning strike at the institution, including the reported arrest and suspension of some chapter executive members.
The union further criticised the governments of Oyo, Benue, Plateau and Ebonyi States for enforcing the "no work, no pay" policy without what COEASU described as adequate prior engagement through collective bargaining. The union maintained that it had consistently shown willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue and alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms.
CAUSES OF STRIKE IN FEDERAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
The industrial dispute at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, reflects some of the broader challenges confronting tertiary institutions in Nigeria. For many years, issues relating to staff welfare, funding, infrastructure, salaries and government policies have remained major sources of tension between educational institutions, workers' unions and government authorities.
One of the significant concerns raised during industrial disputes has been the issue of inadequate funding and the alleged delay in addressing workers' financial and welfare demands. Lecturers and other members of academic staff have often expressed frustration over poor working conditions, inadequate teaching facilities and insufficient resources required for effective academic delivery.
In many institutions, deteriorating infrastructure has also become a major concern. Some classrooms require renovation, while laboratories, libraries and other academic facilities may not have adequate equipment. These challenges can make teaching and learning more difficult for both lecturers and students.
Another issue is the growing pressure on available academic resources. Overcrowded classrooms, insufficient academic staff and inadequate student-support services can place considerable pressure on lecturers and negatively affect students' learning experiences.
As these challenges continue without satisfactory solutions, workers' unions may resort to industrial action as a means of drawing the government's attention to their grievances. Meetings, consultations and petitions may precede such actions, with unions demanding improved welfare, better infrastructure, prompt payment of entitlements and greater government commitment to the development of tertiary education.
When negotiations fail to produce acceptable outcomes, industrial action can eventually become unavoidable. The consequences, however, extend beyond the government and academic staff.
EFFECTS OF THE STRIKE ON STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE COLLEGE
The suspension of academic activities has immediate consequences for students. Lectures are interrupted, examinations are postponed and students may experience uncertainty about when their programme will resume. For students approaching graduation, prolonged disruptions can be particularly frustrating because they may delay their completion dates.
Parents and guardians are also affected financially. When academic sessions are extended, families may have to provide additional funds for accommodation, feeding, transportation and other educational expenses.
The local economy can equally suffer. Businesses around the College that depend heavily on students, including food vendors, transport operators, accommodation providers, printing businesses and other small enterprises, may experience reduced patronage when students are sent away from campus.
The reputation and academic standing of institutions can also be affected by repeated industrial disputes. The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, which has built a reputation for academic development and teacher education over several decades, may face challenges in maintaining a stable academic calendar whenever prolonged strikes occur.
Ultimately, the recurring industrial disputes within Nigeria's tertiary education system demonstrate the urgent need for stronger communication and sustainable conflict-resolution mechanisms between the government and academic unions.
Rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into prolonged strikes, all stakeholders should prioritise constructive dialogue, negotiation and compromise. The government should respond promptly to legitimate concerns, while unions should continue to pursue peaceful and constructive methods of engagement.
A stable academic environment is essential for effective teaching and learning. Resolving the issues responsible for industrial actions will therefore benefit not only academic staff but also students, parents, educational institutions and the Nigerian economy as a whole. The situation at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, serves as a reminder that sustainable investment, responsible governance and continuous dialogue are necessary to preserve the quality and continuity of tertiary education in Nigeria.
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