Staff of the Nasarawa State College of Education (COE), Akwanga, have collectively called for the immediate replacement of Mr. Ishaya Awotu, the institution’s Governing Council Chairman, whose three-year tenure officially expired in September 2023.
The demand was issued in a letter addressed to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) on Thursday, expressing a loss of confidence in Awotu’s leadership.
The union, in its letter, said if the request for a new chairman is not heeded, they may resort to shutting down activities at the state-owned educational institution.
NASU accused Ishaya Awotu of convening frequent and unproductive meetings, neglecting staff welfare, and failing to implement staff promotions.
The union further accused Awotu of wielding his position as a ‘One-Man Army’ to engage in misrule, victimization, and witch-hunting activities.
The union’s letter, signed by Comrade Zawali Zamani and Comrade John Jatau, Chairman, and Secretary respectively, also demanded the return of the official vehicle in Mr. Awotu’s possession and the refund of all allowances enjoyed during the period he overstayed.
Referring to Part IV section 10(a) of the law establishing the College of Education, Akwanga, the letter highlighted that the Chairman and members of the Governing Council are expected to hold office for a maximum of three years. Governor Abdullahi Sule inaugurated the Governing Council on September 3rd, 2020.
Efforts to obtain comments from the embattled Chairman were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
However, an aide dismissed the allegations as unfounded and exonerated Mr. Awotu from any wrongdoing.
The anonymous aide argued that Mr. Awotu had successfully repositioned the institution and urged Governor Sule to reappoint him to maintain the progress achieved during his tenure.
