Arson and Vandalism Undermine Progress at 45-Year-Old Federal College of Education, Eha Amufu
Despite strong efforts by the current management to reposition the 45-year-old Federal College of Education, Eha Amufu, in Enugu State, the activities of vandals, arsonists, and naysayers continue to undermine progress at the institution. Established in 1981 by the then Anambra State government to promote teacher education and efficient management, the college was taken over by the Federal Government in 1993, leading to infrastructural improvements, proper staffing, and enhanced funding.
Recent Challenges and Incidents
Recently, as part of efforts to keep the institution on track, the government granted dual approval for the college to award diplomas and degrees in education. However, a series of arson attacks, vandalism, theft, and land encroachment are seriously challenging the academic vision and other ideals of the school. The college, located at the heart of Eha Amufu with a three-campus structure, has faced unsavoury developments orchestrated by hoodlums.
For instance, the school currently operates without public power supply, and its water plant has been vandalised. A recent fire outbreak consumed a multi-million-naira building housing several offices, resulting in the loss of school documents. Staff attached to the facility now mill around the school, unsure where to continue their work.
Pattern of Attacks and Impact
Investigation into the fire incident, which occurred in the first week of March this year, revealed a similar pattern of operation by those orchestrating untoward practices. While attention was focused on quenching the fire and preventing its spread, valuables were carted away from other sections of the school. Dr. Samuel Odo, Deputy Provost of the College, stated that the fire consumed the entire one-storey building housing the NCE exam unit, records unit, PDE unit, and Council Chamber, among other offices.
He added that the Procurement Unit was saved only because it had been relocated a few months before the incident. Odo further disclosed that during the fire, arsonists removed all wires from the ICT unit of the School of Arts and Social Sciences and everything from the Music Department office. This pattern mirrors a previous incident where security men were distracted by a fire, allowing arsonists to steal three air conditioners from the admin block.
Infrastructure and Security Issues
Before the latest incident, arsonists had disconnected the school from public power supply three months earlier by uprooting an armoured cable worth millions of naira, plunging the college into darkness. To compensate, the college purchased a generator for student use, incurring high fuel costs. Additionally, the college has been without water since 2023 after a recently installed water treatment plant worth over N50 million was vandalised. Although two vandals were arrested, their trial remains inconclusive.
Odo attributed the scale of atrocities to the college's porous nature, noting that the entire compound has remained unfenced since its establishment, making it a thoroughfare and difficult to demarcate from the neighbouring community. He emphasised the need for fencing to enhance security.
Management Achievements and Defense
Despite these challenges, Odo highlighted the massive transformation under the current Provost, Prof. Pauline Ikwuegbu. The college has attracted TETFund projects worth millions of naira, with over 80 staff benefiting from workshop or conference interventions. Revenue has been boosted through agricultural opportunities like poultry and piggery. Last year, the Federal Government elevated the college to a degree-awarding institution in education.
Odo reacted to recent reports of corruption and mismanagement, denying any involvement by management in the attacks. He addressed allegations against Prof. Ikwuegbu, including claims about diverting buses and misusing TETFund funds, stating these are false and aimed at tarnishing her reputation as her tenure nears its end. He praised her as the first female provost, noting her achievements in infrastructure development, such as hostels, improved classrooms, and tarred internal roads.
Conclusion
The Federal College of Education, Eha Amufu, continues to face significant threats from criminal elements, but management remains committed to upholding its mandate and legacy. The college's resilience and ongoing improvements underscore its importance in Nigeria's education sector, despite the persistent challenges of arson and vandalism.
