The Congress of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) held today at the Federal College of Education, FCE Obudu Multi-purpose Hall turned into a moment of celebration, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment as members gathered to commemorate the attainment of long-awaited struggles and achievements of the Union.
The gathering, which began as a formal congress meeting, later transformed into an atmosphere of winning, dining, merriment, and solidarity among congress men and women of the Union. The event attracted principal officers of the College, management staff, union leaders, directors, and members of the academic community who came together in unity to celebrate the progress recorded by COEASU.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of College of Education Academic Staff Union expressed profound appreciation to all congress men and women for their unwavering support, sacrifices, and resilience throughout the years of struggle. He noted that the achievements recorded by the Union did not come easily but were products of persistence, unity, and collective determination.
The Chairman took time to enumerate the landmark achievements of COEASU, which according to him called for celebration among members nationwide. Paramount among these achievements was the successful renegotiation and implementation of the 40 percent allowance, a struggle that finally saw the light of day during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the leadership and intervention of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. He described the development as a major victory for academic staff in Colleges of Education across the country and commended the national leadership of the Union for remaining steadfast in the pursuit of the welfare of its members.
The Chairman further urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals of the Union, stressing that greater achievements could only be attained through collective responsibility, mutual understanding, and support for one another.
Also speaking at the congress was the Provost of the College and a congress member, Dr Richard Ugbaha Utubaku, who appreciated the leadership and members of COEASU for their support and cooperation with the management of the College. In his remarks, the Provost gave a brief breakdown of some of his achievements since assuming office and highlighted ongoing efforts aimed at improving the standard of the College.
He particularly emphasised his administration’s commitment toward attracting more TETFund intervention projects and infrastructural development to the College. According to him, such goals could only be achieved through unity, dedication, prayers, and the continuous support of congress men and women. He therefore appealed to members of staff to continue to partner with the management in moving the College to greater heights.
The congress also witnessed the presence of a distinguished ambassador of the College, Dr Emmanuel Asagha, who was warmly received by members. In his address, Dr Asagha thanked congress men and women for the support they gave him throughout his tenure as the National President of COEASU and during his appointment as Provost of FCE (Technical) Ekiadolor.
He stated that he did not take the love, encouragement, and solidarity of members for granted, noting that their support contributed immensely to his success both as a union leader and administrator. Dr Asagha used the occasion to advise members against hatred, backstabbing, witch-hunting, and unhealthy rivalry among themselves. He reminded the gathering about the transient nature of life, comparing human existence to evaporation.
According to him, just as water evaporates and disappears from sight, man also departs from the world after death and is seen no more. He therefore urged members to embrace peace, love, unity, and harmonious coexistence while alive, stressing that the legacy people leave behind is more important than temporary disagreements and conflicts.
Following the speeches and deliberations, the congress meeting was officially adjourned, paving the way for an atmosphere of celebration and relaxation. The College Multi-purpose Hall immediately came alive with joy, laughter, dining, and social interactions as members celebrated the achievements of the Union and strengthened the bonds of fellowship among themselves.
Dignitaries and personalities present at the event included Dr. Evan Ijenya Osakwe, Dr Ezekiel Oji, Dr Godwin Tsua, Dr James Odu, Dr Joseph Eba Ogar, other management members, directors, chairmen of other unions, as well as congress men and women of the College community.
