A crisis has hit the Association of Tutorial School Operators (ATSO) following the mass resignation of top national leaders and several state chapters, who have now launched a new body, the Tutors Association of Nigeria (TAN), in Akure, Ondo State.
The development was linked to allegations that a new constitution was secretly drafted and imposed by the Lagos chapter ahead of the association’s last election, giving it an undue advantage.
According to report, some state chapters stated that they only became aware of the document during the election period, having earlier opposed both the process and the decision to conduct the election in Lagos instead of a neutral location.
It was gathered that tension escalated during the presidential election, which reportedly ended in a tie.
Although the constitution provided for the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to cast the deciding vote, the sitting president allegedly overruled the provision, while the process was declared inconclusive, a move that sparked reactions among members.
Confirming the development, former Secretary-General of the association, Prince Akin Okunade, said the situation led to the withdrawal of several state leaders from ATSO.
He noted that the decision followed concerns over lack of transparency, unilateral control, and disregard for due process within the association.
It was learnt that attempts at reconciliation were unsuccessful, as disagreements persisted over the constitutional provisions and electoral process, despite proposals for adjustments, including a change of venue for a rerun election.
Further findings indicated that ATSO is inactive on the official government registry of associations, with records showing over a decade of unpaid annual dues. The association was also found to be registered under a social club category rather than as an educational body.
According to report, the newly established Tutors Association of Nigeria (TAN) has pledged to operate on principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and professionalism, positioning itself as an alternative platform for tutorial school operators across the country.
It was gathered that Alhaji Maaruf Isola, a former governor within ATSO, has emerged as the governor of TAN in Osun State.
