A fire on Monday night completely destroyed the building housing the Exams and Records and Procurement units at the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu in Enugu State.
The blaze reportedly occurred despite no electricity in the building and the absence of nearby bushfires, raising suspicions of deliberate sabotage.
The affected building also accommodated the Centre for Educational Technology, the Governing Council Chambers, and the Integrated Science Lab, all of which were reportedly razed in the fire.
A staff member, speaking anonymously, claimed the fire may have been intentionally set to frustrate ongoing petitions submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“I can say categorically that the building was burned down because of several petitions to the EFCC, ICPC, and the Federal Ministry of Education regarding the misappropriation of college vehicles and embezzlement of funds,” the source alleged.
Concerns were heightened because the provost’s position was recently advertised, leading to fears that sensitive documents required for potential investigations may have been targeted.
In a message to the Governing Council, a concerned stakeholder described the fire as “despicable” and questioned the fate of students whose academic records were destroyed:
“By Tuesday, March 3, 2026, we learned of a fire that engulfed the Centre for Educational Technology building. Everything was burnt to ashes; not even a pin was saved. There was no trace of bush burning, and the compound had no electricity. What happens to students whose results were destroyed? How will someone who graduated in 2012 obtain a transcript?”
The message also criticized college management for allegedly ignoring council directives, including failing to conduct a scheduled election for a Deputy Provost.
Efforts to reach the Provost, Dr Pauline N. Ikwuegbu, for comment were unsuccessful. The Enugu State Fire Servicehas not yet released a statement regarding the cause of the fire.
Stakeholders are urging the Governing Council to take urgent action to prevent what they describe as the “imminent collapse and total destruction” of the institution.
