TIB Coordinator Raises Concerns Over Planned Appointment of Acting Provost at Kwara State College of Education, Oro

TIB Coordinator Raises Concerns Over Planned Appointment of Acting Provost at Kwara State College of Education, Oro

The Kwara State Coordinator of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, Comrade Saidu Musa Tsaragi, has expressed concern over what he described as an alleged attempt to circumvent established procedures in the appointment of an Acting Provost for the Kwara State College of Education, Oro.

In a petition made available to the public, Tsaragi alleged that recent developments following the expiration of the tenure of the institution's Provost have generated controersy over the process for appointing an Acting Provost.

According to him, the appointment of an Acting Provost is governed by existing institutional regulations and succession procedures rather than by application, advertisement, or competitive selection.

He cited Section 2.8.3(g) of the Revised Conditions of Service for Colleges of Education (2015) issued by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), arguing that the next most senior officer in the institutional hierarchy is expected to assume the office in an acting capacity.

The TIB Coordinator also referenced provisions of the College Edict, CAP. C16, Section 28 (1–4), maintaining that the office of Deputy Provost is a statutory position that does not require the occupant to possess a doctorate degree.

Tsaragi further argued that previous Deputy Provosts of the institution, including Mr. O. S. Alabi, Alhaji M. L. Yusuf, Alhaji Yakub, and Mr. Opaleke, had served in acting leadership capacities without holding Ph.D qualifications.

According to the petition, there is a clear distinction between the requirements for appointing a substantive Provost and those governing the appointment of an Acting Provost, with the latter being based on institutional hierarchy and existing legal provisions.

He alleged that attempts to introduce a doctorate degree requirement for the acting position are inconsistent with the College Edict and NCCE guidelines and could be aimed at disqualifying the officer next in line for succession.

The petition also claimed that the individual reportedly being considered for the position is not a member of the institution's management, a move Tsaragi argued would be inconsistent with the college's administrative structure and governing laws.

While acknowledging that government may review qualification requirements for future appointments, he argued that any such policy should be implemented transparently and in accordance with due process, with priority given to qualified officers already within the college management structure.

The TIB Coordinator therefore called on the Kwara State Government, the Kwara State House of Assembly, and relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance with the College Edict and NCCE guidelines in order to preserve institutional integrity and uphold the rule of law.

He warned that any attempt to alter or selectively interpret the governing regulations for personal or sectional interests could undermine fairness, justice, and good governance within the institution.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government and the management of Kwara State College of Education, Oro, had not publicly responded to the allegations and concerns raised in the petition.