Lagos, Nigeria – A dispute at the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Akoka has resulted in a violent confrontation between staff, students, and a team sent by the Minister of Education to mediate the situation. The conflict, which had been ongoing for over three months, reached a boiling point when rioters attacked the team, causing damage to multiple vehicles and the Provost’s quarters.
The staff at the college had previously locked out the Provost, preventing him from using his office. The Minister of Education intervened by dispatching a team to the school to help resolve the impasse. Unfortunately, instead of cooperating with the team, the staff and students resorted to violence, leading to the chaotic scene that unfolded.
Not only did the rioters attack the team, but they also blocked all entrances and exits to the college, prompting a response from the police. The situation escalated further when the police arrived and were met with aggression, including being pelted with stones and sachets of water by the rioters.
In response to the violence, 32 suspects have been arrested, and additional law enforcement personnel have been stationed at the college to maintain peace. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the education sector in Nigeria and the challenges faced by institutions in resolving internal conflicts peacefully. The Minister of Education and other officials are likely to face tough questions regarding the handling of the situation and the security measures in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.