Ekiti Communities Clash over Federal College of Education Location

The setting of a new Federal College of Education in Ekiti State has sparked a controversy between two communities in the Ekiti South senatorial district.

Omuo and Ilawe communities are both claiming to be the rightful host of the institution, which was recently approved by the federal government.

Omuo community members, who reside in Ekiti East Local Government, have accused the federal government of foul play and injustice, alleging that they did all the groundwork at the National Assembly to secure the college for their area, which they said was deprived of federal presence. They have staged protests and demanded that the college be relocated to Omuo.

However, Ilawe community members, who belong to Ekiti Southwest Local Government, have welcomed the establishment of the college in their town, saying it was a deserved reward for their support for the ruling party. They have also hosted the appointed provost and his team, and provided a secondary school facility as a temporary site for the college.

The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Ajibade Alabi, who was the former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, has declared that the college has come to stay in Ilawe, and urged Omuo community to accept the decision and cooperate with the federal government.

The Ekiti State government has expressed its support for a balanced distribution of institutions across the state, but appealed for calm and patience from both communities, pending a final response from the federal government.

The Federal Ministry of Education has not yet commented on the matter.

The dispute over the location of the federal college of education is a reminder of the challenges of managing resources in a multi-ethnic society. It is also a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government decision-making.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732