By Samson Zanunga
The recent attempt by the Governor, Darius Ishaku to address the plethora of issues in the state polytechnic Suntai seems to be yielding the desired results through the submission of the report by the investigative panel set up by the Taraba state government to uncover the anomaly bedeviling the institution.
The panel headed by the deputy vice-chancellor administration Taraba state university, Professor Nicholas Namasy must be commended for the painstaking effort it took to unearth the rot and decay in this tertiary institution. The report highlighted the nagging issue of maladministration, high level of corruption and non implementation of the standard practices required by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTECH, for the establishment of the polytechnic.
It is quite sad and appalling that for the past twenty six years since the polytechnic was established, there has never been a visitation panel to the institution. On top of that is the shocking revelation by the panel which was the non accreditation of the fifty programs currently being taught in the school. Worse still, is the lack of academic staff to support the programs and courses offered at the polytechnic.
The revelation by the panel is no doubt an eyesore so to speak and it clearly underscores the importance placed on the premium quality of education that Governor Ishaku is willing to bequeath on the state before the expiration of his administration. Twenty six years in the life of any entity is not a child's play let alone an institution whose certificates and diplomas have no effect or relevance due to the non accreditation of the courses it offers.
It is against this backdrop that Governor Ishaku must be extolled by citizens for his magnanimity in taking responsibility for the failures of his predecessors and righting the wrongs. His desire to give citizens the best in terms of educational upliftment is legendary. As a noble leader, it is important to have the best hands available to carry out forensic investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the lingering issues lying unattended in the institution for over two and a half decades.
Governor Ishaku's choice of an academician to head the panel is exemplary as this ensures that the panel is devoid of any form of bias in the discharge of its duties. Presenting a document of over a thousand pages is no mean feat and this clearly indicates the length of time spent examining and cross examining all the pressing issues that required quick fixes by the government. It is also important to state clearly that Governor Ishaku has been very proactive in ensuring Taraba becomes an educational enclave but his major setback has been the shortfall of men and women of proven integrity to actualize his vision.
The recent appointment of a governing council for the polytechnic by Governor Ishaku is commendable. This will no doubt begin the process of dismantling the charade of nepotistic and unethical practices rocking the polytechnic. The impact this report will have in the institution will no doubt provide the template for which the right steps will be taken and it will also help the school to keep track of its mandate as enshrined in policy documents for the establishment of a polytechnic.
The incredible findings made by the deputy vice-chancellor administration and his team which hinges on the unethical method adopted by the polytechnic's administration will be put to bed when government begins the task of implementing the findings and recommendations for the polytechnic to have all her programs accredited and to engage qualified professionals to support the courses in the technical institution.
It has to be said that Governor Ishaku's dream of giving the state a befitting citadel of learning where graduates will become entrepreneurs is not a walk in the park. He needs men and women of high moral standards who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices that will turn the state's fortunes around in education. Credit must be given to the few individuals who are doing their best to help the rescue captain in this regard.
The task of finding the best hands in a state where citizens are unmindful of the effort of the government in fashioning out ways to repair the plethora of problems facing the polytechnic in these trying times constitute the lack of apathy for the rescue administration. It is a welcome development that at least for once a thorough investigation has been executed by a panel headed by a reputable academician who has distinguished himself in all facets be it character and learning.
Now that the report has been submitted, hopefully the government as promised by Governor Ishaku will leave no stone unturned in the task of implementing recommendations enclosed in the encyclopedic report.
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