An Open Letter To Hon Minister Of Education By President, Concerned South Westerners

Honorable Minister

Federal Ministry of Education

Garki, Abuja.

ATTENTION: Alhaji Adamu Adamu

Dear Sir,
MARGINALIZED APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPALS IN FEDERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE, YABA AND OTHER SOUTH WEST UNITY SCHOOLS

The Federal Science and Technical College was established in 1948, as Yaba Trade centre, then by the colonial master. It later metamorphosed into Federal Science and Technical College Yaba (FSTCY). The primary objectives of the founders and indeed the Federal Government were to produce an informed citizenry, equipped with appropriate Scientific, Technical and Vocational Skills and to be the leading Science and Technical College in Nigeria, providing the needed Scientific, Technical and Vocational Education for disciplined, self- reliant Students.

In 2004/2005 during the tenure of President Obasanjo, there was a move to annex the school to Yaba College of Technology. The then Minister for Education, Hon. Nora Obaji, came on an inspection of the School facilities, that was during the tenure of Mr. Akinbosete Benson (Principal). During the inspection, the Honourable Minister was quoted as saying “I will make sure I bring a vibrant Igbo man to head this school”. That was the origin of the marginalization, tribalization, nepotism and intimidation of other tribes by Igbo’s in the School.,

Furthermore, after this pronouncement by the Honorable Minister, a supposed vibrant Principal was appointed Engineer M.K. Offor (a level 15 senior civil servant), lord over other senior level 16 officers as principal of FSTCY. Also worthy to note, he was succeeded by Williams Iweama, who was succeeded by Mrs. Nwankwo, succeeded by Rev. Chris Ugorji. Rumors has it that another Principal of Eastern extraction has been nominated as the next Principal.

This act of Nepotism has been extended to the admission of students where the ratio of Igbo students to other tribes in the school is presently 7:3. Also the employment of Staffs is 7:3, same applies to the massive number of part-time teaching and non-teaching staff; presently out of the 6 Vice Principals; 5 are of the Eastern extraction. Same is also seen transpiring in other Unity Schools in the South West.

Permit me to appeal that you encourage an anonymous opinion of parents on the act of marginalization, victimization and ethnic sentiments in all facets of the school (from admission and other service).

It is on record that the present principal Rev. Chris Ugorji, who is a loyalist of the former principal Engineer Offor is known for indiscriminate transfer of non-Igbo Teachers and Technical instructors, knowing fully well that such sections lack Technical teachers and the influx of Igbo Teachers from other schools to the School happens. Record can affirm the fact that the principal runs the school as a Private Estate, where he hires the Igbos mainly to check other superior officers of other tribes, especially in the Account, Dept., Uniform stores, Kitchen, Dinning to mention but a few.

It suffice to note that the FSTCY is known as “Technical Haven” due to its standard and well equipped workshops. Also the School Technical equipment have been privatized by the outgoing Principal, not being put to effective use to benefit the Technical students, and part- time teachers owed four months’ salary. Presently some of this vocations are lacking qualified instructors.

It is on record too, that last year when the school new girls Hostel was commissioned, he did not invite any traditional leader, political leader or other eminent leader from Lagos or Yorubaland. Rather, he brought the traditional Chief from his home town to grace the Occasion.

The Technical equipments, machines, tools in the School are underutilized, neglected, abandoned and not put into effective use. Investigation shows that there were several attempts to sell some of the equipments but for concerted efforts of some well meaning non- Igbos who brazenly stood against it.

Trades like furniture craft, fabrication and welding Craft Practicing, Plumbing/pipe fittings, foundary craft practice and some others are beginning to go into extinction due to lack of qualified Technical instructors, who incidentally while they were in the school were transferred out of the school due to intimidation, marginalization and unhealthy working environment.

It is our fear that the school is already losing its objective as a foremost Science, Technical and Vocational College in West Africa, and may end up producing half baked, semi-skilled, indisciplined and unqualified craftsmen.

With the forgoing, it is our prayers that you use your good office to make all these underlisted a reality.

 To appoint a Yoruba Principal, preferably a Lagosian to the school.

 To balance other positions in the school to reflect the federal character.

 To look into the marginalization and intimidation of non-Igbo staff and parents in the school.

-Post qualified Technical instructors to the school in order to put the equipment, machines, tools in the Technical section to optimal use.

 To promote and encourage a conducive, enabling, healthy environment for all staff and students irrespective of tribes, religion or creed.

 We are also praying that there should be a fair ration of successive principals to reflect the federal character.

 All teachers irrespective of the tribe should be given equal opportunities for professional development, attend trainings and seminars.

Finally, we believe in the indivisibility of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where opportunities abound and where every units of the country should have a say in the affairs of any institution in the country.

Therefore, we plead that you use your good office to look into our prayer and take decisive steps in making effective changes in all Unity schools and to curb acts of marginalization, intimidation and nepotism in other unity school across the federation.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely yours,

ALABI OLAWALE THOMPSON
President, Concerned South Westerners
con_southwesterner@hotmail.com