COEASU Denies Allegations About President’s Visit To Imo College Of Education

COEASU refutes allegations that its president criticized the chapter chairman of Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education during a recent visit, emphasizing peace and unity within the institution.

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has debunked recent claims suggesting that its President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, accused the Chapter Chairman of Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihite Uboma, Imo State, of fueling unrest within the institution.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Dr. Churchill Okonkwo, COEASU Vice President and South East Zonal Coordinator, the union clarified that Dr. Olugbeko made no such allegations during his recent official visit to the college.

Dr. Okonkwo addressed an online report alleging that Dr. Olugbeko had openly criticized Comrade Wilson Amandi, the college’s COEASU chairman, for allegedly instigating disputes. He described the report as “misleading and a misrepresentation of the union president’s reconciliatory mission.”

Clarification on the Allegations

According to Dr. Okonkwo, the controversial report claimed that the president condemned the chapter chairman and secretary for raising their grievances in the media, branding their concerns as unsubstantiated. However, Dr. Okonkwo dismissed these claims, labeling them as baseless.

He explained that Dr. Olugbeko’s visit was a routine engagement aimed at fostering collaboration among union members and promoting the college’s goals in teacher education. The president reportedly emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and unity, discouraging any actions that could jeopardize the institution’s progress, especially given its relatively young age.

No Journalists Present at the Meeting

Dr. Okonkwo firmly stated that no journalists attended the meeting between COEASU representatives and the college management, rendering the allegations of any criticisms made during the meeting unfounded.

“It is shocking that a press release distorted Dr. Olugbeko’s peaceful message,” he remarked, adding that certain individuals might benefit from perpetuating such conflicts.

Dr. Okonkwo also challenged the journalist responsible for the misleading publication to provide evidence of their presence at the meeting. He emphasized that the president’s entourage consisted only of union officials, including himself and Assoc. Prof. Jovita Ogu, Zonal Secretary and Chairman of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Academic Staff Union.

Commitment to Harmony in Education

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Okonkwo urged the public to disregard the false claims and instead focus on building peace and stability within higher education institutions.

“COEASU remains dedicated to fostering harmony, ensuring the welfare of its members, and advancing the progress of teacher education in Nigeria,” he affirmed.