A major crisis has rocked the Association of Tutorial School Operators (ATSO), as top national leaders and multiple state chapters have announced a mass resignation and unveiled a new body, the Tutors Association of Nigeria (TAN) in Akure, Ondo State today.
The split follows allegations that a new constitution was secretly drafted and imposed by the Lagos chapter ahead of last year’s elections, giving it undue advantage. Several states say they only became aware of the document during the election period and had earlier opposed both the process and the decision to hold the election in Lagos instead of a neutral state.
Tensions peaked during the presidential election, which reportedly ended in a tie. While the constitution provided for the Board of Trustees Chairman to cast the deciding vote, the sitting president allegedly overruled this provision and declared the process inconclusive sparking outrage among members.
Describing the development as “the final straw,” a coalition of state leaders withdrew from ATSO, citing lack of transparency, unilateral control, and disregard for due process. Efforts to make reconciliation work was futile as Lagos insisted they would retain the undue electoral advantage entrenched in the constitution but accepted change of venue for a re-run. This made the whole saga irreconcilable.
In a further blow to its credibility, ATSO is confirmed to be inactive on the official government registry of associations, with records showing over a decade of unpaid annual dues. It is also verifiably registered under a social club category rather than education, facts critics say explain the persistent leadership and structural concerns within the body.
The newly formed TAN has pledged to operate on principles of transparency, inclusivity, and professionalism, positioning itself as a credible alternative for tutorial school operators across Nigeria.
Alhaji Maaruf Isola, the former governor of ATSO has now assumed the Governor of TAN in Osun State.
