The Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery is mired in a deepening leadership controversy, raising fears over its capacity to continue producing competent healthcare professionals.
The crisis revolves around allegations that the immediate past provost, Esther Gana, has refused to step down after reaching the mandatory retirement age, sparking outrage among staff, students, and key stakeholders in the health sector. This development has reignited concerns over compliance with retirement rules, transparency in appointments, and adherence to regulatory standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Reports indicate that Gana officially retired on October 27, 2024. However, she has allegedly continued to perform official duties, including signing financial documents and awarding contracts. Further scrutiny of her qualifications has revealed that her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing does not meet the requirements for a provost position, as outlined by the NMCN and NBTE.
“The standard qualification for a lecturer is a master’s degree. For a Head of Department in Nursing, it is a PhD, and the same applies to a provost,” a staff member told Chronicles Reporters.
The source added, “Her appointment was shocking because she clearly didn’t meet the qualifications. The immediate past governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, appointed her through the notorious ‘man-know-man’ syndrome prevalent in Nigeria.”
Despite the controversy surrounding her credentials, Gana remained in office until her retirement in October last year. Documents obtained by Chronicles Reporters confirm that her retirement was officially approved by the Taraba State Civil Service Commission.
One such document addressed to the college registrar stated, “I’m directed to refer to your letter REF.NO.CONMJ/OFF/204/86 dated 6th August 2024 on the above subject and to convey the Commission’s approval for the retirement of the above-named officer as Director (Provost) on GL 17 with effect from 27th October 2024.”
The document further showed that relevant government bodies, including the Accountant-General’s office, were duly informed, and her gratuity was processed accordingly.
However, Gana has reportedly refused to vacate the office, insisting she would only leave if ordered by the state governor. A civil service commissioner expressed frustration, stating, “She stubbornly clings to the position, carrying out normal duties as though she were still the provost.”
When contacted by Chronicles Reporters, Gana responded, “We have authorities, don’t we? I am not the final authority in this state. Go and ask why I am still in office after retirement.”
Further inquiries led to the Commissioner for Information, Barrister Zainab Jalingo, who explained that Gana was re-engaged on a contractual basis. “The provost is on contract, please. His Excellency approved the arrangement,” she said.
When asked to specify the tenure of the contractual agreement or provide relevant documentation, Jalingo replied tersely, “I don’t have it.”
Amid this ongoing controversy, the Nigerian College of Nursing Science and Midwifery (NCNCSON) has called for urgent intervention. The organization has urged Governor Agbu Kefas and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter to restore normalcy and ensure compliance with established protocols.
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