Why Provost Says Schools Cannot Survive Much Longer

The Provost of the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, Abia State, Dr Titus Ezeme, has warned that Nigeria’s tertiary institutions cannot rely on government funding alone and must attract private and community support to survive.

He gave the warning while receiving books donated to the college library by Mr S.K. Nwokoye, a former lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze. Ezeme said private intervention was vital to producing competent teachers for the nation’s future. “With quality, well-trained teachers, the academic future of our children will be guaranteed,” he said, urging alumni, individuals and corporate bodies to emulate the gesture.

College Librarian, Mr Bulus Damen, described the donation as timely, pledging the books would be used to strengthen teaching and research. On a tour of campus projects, Ezeme commended both Federal and State Governments for their support, citing completed lecture halls, administrative blocks and an ongoing 72-bed hostel. “What began as a dream has become reality. But government alone cannot do it — we need wider support to deliver on our mandate,” he said.