The African Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative (ALSTDI) has thrown its weight behind the Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Eha-Amufu, Pauline Ngozi Ikwuegbu, citing what it described as a massive turnaround of the institution under her leadership over the past seven years.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Executive Director of the group, Nelson Osseize, said the College had undergone a remarkable transformation from a struggling institution into a modern centre of learning with improved infrastructure, expanded academic programmes, and stronger community engagement.
“For over seven years, the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu has undergone a renaissance that has redefined its place in Nigeria’s teacher-education landscape,” Osseize said.
He noted that when Ikwuegbu assumed office, the institution was faced with significant challenges, including dilapidated infrastructure, poor road networks, erratic power supply, and limited academic facilities.
According to him, findings from ALSTDI’s independent assessment revealed that these challenges had been largely addressed through deliberate and sustained interventions.
“All projects were found to be completed, in use, and serving their intended academic and administrative purposes,” he stated.
Osseize listed key achievements to include the construction of a fully tarred internal road network, erection of modern academic buildings, renovation and expansion of student hostels, and installation of solar-powered electricity systems across the campus.
He added that the establishment of an ultra-modern entrepreneurship centre and a new library complex had further strengthened teaching, learning, and research in the College.
On academic development, the ALSTDI boss said the introduction of a bi-modal system enabling the institution to run both Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes had significantly expanded access to higher education in the region.
“For aspiring teachers, the ‘distance to opportunity’ has been cut dramatically,” he said.
He also highlighted improvements in staff development, noting that academic and non-academic staff benefited from TETFund-sponsored training, research, and conferences, which enhanced productivity and morale.
Osseize commended the administration for aligning its academic programmes with the agrarian nature of the host community, stating that functional agricultural facilities had been established to provide hands-on training for students.
“These are not showcase farms.
Students use them for practicals, SIWES, and entrepreneurship training,” he explained.
On inclusiveness, he said the Provost ensured that previously marginalised host communities, particularly Umualor, were integrated into the College workforce, ending years of exclusion.
He added that the creation of a College/Community Relations Committee had strengthened ties between the institution and its host communities, reducing tensions and fostering cooperation.
Assessing financial management, Osseize said the administration demonstrated prudent use of resources, ensuring that projects were completed and put to use.
“Government-assisted interventions attracted during her tenure were completed and put to use, avoiding the ‘abandoned project’ syndrome common in the sector,” he said.
He further noted that the transformation of the College had triggered economic growth in the host community, including increased commercial activities and rising property values.
“Residents now describe the College as ‘the one federal thing we can see and touch,’ reflecting a renewed sense of inclusion,” he added.
While acknowledging criticisms trailing the administration, Osseize dismissed them as unfounded, insisting that performance should be judged based on measurable outcomes.
“Policy should be judged by verifiable outcomes. On infrastructure, access, equity, and community relations, the outcomes are documented,” he said.
He concluded that Ikwuegbu’s leadership provides a model for other federal institutions, noting that her tenure has combined infrastructure development with inclusiveness and accountability.
“She came, she saw, and she conquered with excellence,” Osseize stated.