By Emmanuel Awari
JALINGO,—The Provost of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo, Mrs. Esther Danjuma Gana, has thanked Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for his support in mobilizing contractors back to the college’s construction site, helping to drive significant progress at the institution.
Speaking to journalists, Gana highlighted several achievements made possible by the governor’s backing, including the provision of office equipment and furniture, payment of allowances for staff and civil defense corps, and the installation of solar security lights.
She also noted the provision of water supply to offices, lecture halls, and student hostels, alongside the purchase of a new transformer and the Provost’s official vehicle.
Under Gana’s leadership, the college has graduated 1,375 students since 2019, including 790 qualified nurses and 345 midwives.
Additionally, 188 staff members have been promoted, and the college was granted approval to operate as a monotechnic by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) starting from the 2023/2024 academic session.
However, Gana also acknowledged challenges facing the institution, including the lack of adequate security personnel, the need to reconnect the college to the national power grid, and the reconstitution of the college’s governing board.
She also called for the recruitment of additional staff, such as pharmacy technicians and nutritionists, to strengthen the institution.
Despite these hurdles, the provost expressed hope that the governor would address these issues, particularly the restoration and upward review of the college’s monthly running cost, which had been impacted by a 50% reduction in school and accommodation fees announced by the state government in July 2023.
Meanwhile, Gana addressed recent allegations regarding her tenure extension, explaining that she was re-engaged on a contractual basis by the governor.
“I am on contract with all relevant documents in place,” she said, adding that the governor has the authority to retain her services if he deems it necessary.
The ongoing leadership concerns at the college have prompted the National Coalition of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (NCNCSON) to call for swift action from the state government.
The coalition expressed worries over the leadership crisis, particularly regarding retirement protocols, transparency in appointments, and adherence to regulatory standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and NBTE.
They recommended the establishment of transparent selection processes and urged the state government to consider transferring the college to the Ministry of Tertiary Education for better oversight.
In response, the state government’s spokesperson, Barrister Zainab Jalingo, confirmed that Gana’s tenure was extended through a contractual agreement approved by the governor, emphasizing that no laws had been violated.
Jalingo praised Gana’s performance, noting the progress the college has made under her leadership.