The immediate past Acting Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nwawuisi Jonah Umunnah, has dismissed claims in some sections of the media suggesting that the institution is being run by two provosts, describing such reports as false, misleading, and capable of inciting unnecessary tension.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the formal handover ceremony at the college in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, Dr. Nwawuisi stated that the leadership structure of the institution is clear and undisputed, stressing that there is only one substantive Provost currently in office.
According to him, “The insinuation that the college has two provosts is completely false. As it stands today, we have one Provost in the person of Agwu Ekwe, who officially took over from me on Tuesday. The public should disregard such unfounded claims being spread by those intent on creating crisis in the institution.”
Dr. Nwawuisi explained that he was appointed Acting Provost last year and served in that capacity until the Federal Government appointed Prof. Ekwe as the substantive Provost on the 10th of this month. He noted that the seamless transition and the warm reception accorded the new Provost by both staff and students further underscore the absence of any leadership crisis in the college.
Addressing recent protests by the Joint Union Action Committee of the institution, which reportedly opposed the appointment of Prof. Ekwe, the former Acting Provost described the development as the handiwork of “insignificant elements” bent on destabilizing the college.
He, however, commended security agencies for their prompt intervention in restoring order.
Reflecting on his tenure, which lasted seven months and three weeks, Dr. Nwawuisi said he made significant efforts to address some of the pressing challenges facing the institution despite funding constraints. He noted that while his time in office was limited, he was committed to laying a foundation for sustainable development.
Among his achievements, he listed the rehabilitation of the college welfare bus to provide free transportation for staff, repairs of tractors and maintenance equipment to support agricultural activities, and the renovation of parts of the Provost’s administrative block.
He also highlighted the installation of solar panels to revive previously abandoned lighting facilities at the Provost’s Lodge.
Other interventions included the clearing and pruning of the college’s oil palm plantations to boost productivity, restoration of electricity supply to offices and staff quarters, repairs of several grounded vehicles, and efforts to improve student welfare and staff promotion processes.
Dr. Nwawuisi, however, acknowledged that inadequate funding limited his ability to achieve constant power supply and execute other planned projects.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of his successor, Prof. Ekwe, urging him to “hit the ground running” and leverage his experience to reposition the college for greater growth. He also wished him a successful tenure.
In his remarks during the handover, Prof. Ekwe commended Dr. Nwawuisi for his dedication, transparency, and humility in service, describing him as a man of wisdom and integrity.
He pledged to work collaboratively with staff and students to move the institution forward.
Dr. Nwawuisi has served the college in various capacities, including as Head of Department for three terms, Dean of School, and Deputy Provost before his appointment as Acting Provost. He is also a former member of the Internal Management Committee of the College and has chaired several institutional committees.
Beyond the college, he previously worked as a researcher with the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, and its Kuru outstation in Jos, where he specialized as a plant pathologist. Over the years, he has supervised numerous research projects and contributed to academic publications in his field.
