The Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery is embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis, sparking concerns about the institution’s ability to produce high-quality healthcare professionals.
The college community and key stakeholders in the health sector are up in arms over allegations that Esther Gana, the immediate past provost, has refused to relinquish her position despite reaching retirement age.
The crisis further highlights concerns over adherence to retirement protocols, transparency in appointments, and compliance with regulatory standards established by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
According to sources, Esther Gana, who officially retired on October 27, 2024, has refused to vacate her position, continuing to perform all duties, including signing checks and awarding contracts. Further investigation revealed that Gadi’s qualifications, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing, fall short of the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the role of provost.
“The standard requirement for a lecturer is a master’s degree; for Head of Department, Nursing, it is a PhD (doctoral degree); the same for the provost,” a staff member told SaharaReporters.
The staff member added, “Her appointment was mindboggling because obviously she didn’t qualify; the immediate past governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku appointed her through the obnoxious Nigerian ‘man-know-man’ syndrome.”
Notwithstanding the controversy surrounding her qualifications, Esther Gana held the office until her retirement in October last year. A document obtained by SaharaReporters reveals that her retirement was officially approved by the Taraba State Civil Service Commission.
The retirement document addressed to the Registrar of the college reads thus in parts, “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 retirement of the above-named officer as Director (Provost) on GL 17 with effect from 27th October, 2024.”
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Accordingly, relevant government agencies, including the Accountant-General’s office were duly communicated and her gratuity was processed.
“However, she defiantly clung to the office, discharging normal functions; insisting that only the governor can order her out of the office,” a civil service commissioner said in dismay.
When SaharaReporters contacted Gana, she said, “We have authorities, isn’t it? I’m not the final authority in this state; go there and ask why is this woman still in office after retirement.”
Thereafter, the Commissioner for Information and spokesperson for the state government, Barr Zainab Jalingo, explained that the provost was re-engaged on contract basis.
“The woman is on contract please. His Excellency has approved contractual agreement for her to continue,” Jalingo said.
When questioned about the approved contractual tenure and requested to provide supporting documentation, she responded curtly, “I don’t have it.
The Nigerian College of Nursing Science and Midwifery (NCNCSON) has called for urgent action to address the crisis at the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery.
Specifically, they urged Governor Agbu Kefas and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
