The process for appointing a substantive Bursar at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, has become a subject of controversy, with staff unions and stakeholders raising concerns over adherence to statutory procedures and calling for the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Education.

The dispute centers on the published eligibility criteria for the position and the procedures followed by the institution's Governing Council, chaired by Obong Stephen Leo Ntukepo.

At the heart of the matter is a letter from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) dated 3rd April 2025, with reference number NCCE/HR/FCEO/27/11/153. A copy of the letter seen by our correspondent explicitly states that candidates for the Bursar position must be "Deputy Bursars on CONTDISS 15."

However, the subsequently published advertisement for the role contained a different clause, stating that “a candidate must be a Deputy Bursar/Accountant Cadre or its equivalent on CONTDISS 15.”

Petitions Allege Procedural Irregularities

In petitions filed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and seen by this newspaper, some stakeholders within the college have alleged that this alteration amounts to a manipulation of the process. They claim the change was made to favor a specific candidate, Mr. Victor Ifeanyi Ahiakwo, the college's Director of Audit.

The petitioners argue that the Audit Directorate is not part of the Bursary department and cite the Federal Government Gazette No. 72 of October 27, 2009, which they say restricts internal audit staff from assuming accounting functions.

Further allegations in the petitions include a claim that the Governing Council Chairman may have acted in contravention of Section 20(1) of the Federal College of Education Act 2023, which mandates the constitution of a Selection Board for such appointments. Petitioners state they have seen no evidence that such a board was formed.

It is also alleged that the interview venue was relocated from Omoku, Rivers State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a decision critics question given the absence of a stated security crisis in Rivers State.

Stakeholders and Unions Demand Action

Citing these concerns, some staff unions within the college have begun consultations and are threatening industrial action if their demands are not met. They are calling on the NCCE, the Minister of Education, and the National Assembly to intervene.

Their primary demand is for the position to be re-advertised in strict compliance with the NCCE's vetted guidelines.

“The Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, is a national institution. Its processes must be transparent and beyond reproach,” a union representative stated on condition of anonymity.

Efforts for Clarification

When contacted for this report, the Acting Provost of the College, Dr. Ndu Amadike, confirmed he was in Abuja but declined to comment on the specific allegations, stating he could not do so over the phone.

All attempts to reach the Chairman of the Governing Council, Obong Stephen Leo Ntukepo, for his response were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was switched off.

The Office of the Director for Colleges of Education at the Federal Ministry of Education has not yet provided an official statement on the matter at the time of filing this report.

The situation remains unresolved, with the scheduled interview for the position reportedly pending ministerial review.