From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Dr. Smart Olugbeko Odunayo, has warned those instigating crisis at the Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma, Imo State, to desist henceforth.
Odunayo, who issued the warning during a working visit to the school, accompanied by the National Vice President (Southeast), Dr. Churchill Okonkwo, and Associate Professor Jovita Ogu, Secretary, COEASU South East Zone, pointed out that claims against the Acting Provost, Dr. Chinyere Nwachukwu, were unnecessary and unfounded.
He stated that the Acting Provost had performed creditably within the short time she has served in her role.
During an interaction with the management and members of the union in the college, the President categorically stated that the college has no crisis. He criticised the actions of the chapter chairman and secretary for taking their grievances to the media, calling their allegations unsubstantiated.
He cautioned the union chapter to explore all available channels of peaceful negotiation rather than resorting to media criticism.
Odunayo advised the union leadership to employ dialogue and other dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving conflicts.
Speaking further, he said, “A Provost that achieved staff confirmation, staff promotion, College NCCE accreditation, and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) accreditation by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and building projects has done a lot for the institution and deserves the union’s full support.”
Reacting to the union’s demands, he urged the Provost to ensure that imprest disbursements are promptly paid to all deserving college functionaries as well as their out-of-pocket expenses.
He, however, urged the union and the management of the college to always follow the path of peace and continue to take advantage of the existing peaceful relationship.
He stressed the need for each party to play a supportive role through constructive criticism.
Odunayo also challenged the management and entire staff to ensure that the college is properly nurtured to maturity, which can only be achieved through objectivity, transparency, and being God-fearing.
After a lengthy session with the union and the management of the college, he concluded by advising, “Character is very essential in sustaining success above other virtues.”