By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Provost of the College of Education, Zing, Professor Ejika Sambo has applauded Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his support to the educational sector in the state.
He stated this during the College’s 17th Convocation ceremony in Zing.
He said that with the huge investment put into the College, it is determined to give the best, well trained and qualified teachers.
“This very Convocation Ceremony would not have been successful without your financial support, you promised us that Convocation will be held every academic session and here it is.
“This is a testament that you are a good leader, “Mr. Talk and do”. “Promise made, promise kept”. We pray that God will keep you alive and in good health condition to witness the next year’s Convocation Ceremony.”
According to him, under the leadership of the governor, the college has not witnessed any industrial disharmony by any Union.
“we are strike-free Institution”.
“This shows good and cordial working relationship and understanding among the critical stakeholders in the College, as well as our mother Ministry, (Ministry of Tertiary Education). Our calendar of events is always adhered to as planned.
“Sir, the entire College Community will continue pledging its loyalty to the policies and programs of your administration to enable you succeed.”
The Provost also recognized the efforts of TETfund in physical development, Staff training and development, Research, Conferences, workshops, purchase of vehicles among others that were brought to College and expressed hope that such gesture would be maintained.
He used the medium to roll out challenges facing the College to include encroachment of College land by the host Community.
“Your Excellency Sir, TETfund allocate projects annually and some of the College lands were taken by the host Community on the account that they were not compensated. There is need to compensate them to allow expansion of the College facilities.”
He also cited the need for compensation and completion of Alhaji Namme’s abandoned project.
“There was an abandoned projects which was handled by Alhaji Namme in the early 80s. The completion of the project will go a long way in addressing lecture halls accommodation for both NCE and Undergraduate programs.”
The Provost further stressed the need for more Staff residential quarters.
“Your Excellency, when the College was in Jalingo, half of our Staff members residing in Staff Quarters. We were relocated to Zing in 2012 without making any provision for Staff Quarters. The North East Development Commission (NEDC) built 100 housing unit which is yet to be handed over to the College.
“We are therefore appealing to the State Government to build more, to enable our Staff to be properly accommodated for effective teaching and learning to take place.”
He also highlighted the need for vehicles for transportation.
“It may interest Your Excellency to know that, most of the vehicles supplied by TETfund are almost grounded, there is a need for vehicle for transportation to the College to ease Staff transport fare from Jalingo to Zing.”
According to him, despite these numerous challenges mentioned, the College is still waxing stronger and progressing as it awaits necessary actions for better efficiency.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the announcement that the institution had secured accreditation for 22 degree programmes from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and 31 Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes, a development described as a significant boost to its academic standing.