A major fire on Monday night gutted a central administrative building at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, destroying critical offices and raising suspicions of deliberate arson.
The affected structure housed the Exams and Records Unit, Procurement Department, Centre for Educational Technology, Governing Council Chambers, and the Integrated Science Laboratory.
Sources at the college said that the blaze completely consumed the building.
Eyewitnesses noted that the fire occurred at a time when the area had no electricity supply and no reported bush burning nearby, circumstances that have intensified speculation that the fire was intentionally set.
A staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the incident may be linked to petitions previously filed against the college with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Education.
The petitions reportedly raised issues such as alleged diversion of official vehicles and misappropriation of funds.
The staff source claimed that documents relevant to these ongoing investigations may have been the primary targets of the fire.
The incident also coincided with the advertisement of the provost’s position, heightening fears that essential records needed for scrutiny or verification might have been lost.
In a message circulated to the Governing Council, a stakeholder described the fire as “despicable,” lamenting the destruction of vital academic records.
The message read in part: “On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the college community woke up to news that the Centre for Educational Technology building had been engulfed by fire. The destruction was total. There was neither electricity nor any sign of bush burning within the premises. What becomes of students whose academic results were destroyed? What happens to graduates, including those who finished as far back as 2012, who may need their transcripts?”
Attempts to reach the Provost, Dr. Pauline N. Ikwuegbu, for comment were unsuccessful, and the Enugu State Fire Service has not yet disclosed the official cause of the blaze.
READ ALSO
- Diphtheria Outbreak: Alli slams Makinde over Oyo’s poor immunization coverage
- FG Raises 241,000 retirees pension from N12.15bn to N14.83bn – PenCom
- Presidential Candidates Petition Tinubu Over Alleged Manipulation of NBBF Elections
- 2028 Olympics Qualifier: Super Falcons thrash Comoros to book third round spot
- BREAKING: Shell sells Nigerian gas distribution business to local firm
Stakeholders are urging the Governing Council to act swiftly to manage the aftermath and prevent a potential crisis that could destabilise the institution.
