The Federal Ministry of Education has published an extensive clarification on the execution of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, specifically addressing Provost tenure.
This is in response to concerns voiced by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Staff Unions of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, about the prevention of possible crises in the sector.
In a letter dated May 23, 2024, with reference number SAF.36/S.511/T/143, the ministry described key provisions of the amended Act.
Mrs. E. B. Azorbo, Director of Legal Services, signed the letter on behalf of the Minister of Education, clarifying that the Act provides for a single, non-renewable five-year term for the Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education.
It reads in part, “That section 13 (7)(b) of the FCE (Amendment) Act, 2023 provided two scenarios, the first being a situation where the Provost was appointed in the first instance and has not completed the tenure of office of four years before the commencement of the amendment Act, then he shall serve for the period of five years without enjoying a renewal of appointment.
“In this case, one more year shall be added to the earlier 4 years as stated on the appointment letter based on the repealed Act.
“The second scenario which is the case at hand is where a Provost has completed the first tenure of four years and has been re-appointed for another tenure of four years when the amendment Act commences, he shall be deemed to be serving his last term of office of four years without further extension.
“The non-further extension in this case is that he cannot years without further extension. The non-further extension, in this case, is that he cannot enjoy five years under the second tenure as enjoyed by the Provost in the first Scenario. He will therefore complete the four-year term of the second tenure.”