Why Esther Gana Remains As Provost Of College Of of Nursing After Retirement

 

The Taraba State government has re-engaged Mrs. Esther Danjuma Gana to continue serving as Provost of the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo, several government sources confirmed to Taraba Truth and Fact Newspaper.

 

The Commissioner for Information and spokesperson for the state government, Barr. Zainab Jalingo, explained that the provost was re-engaged on a contract basis.

 

"Mrs. Esther Danjuma Gana is on contract, please. His Excellency has approved a contractual agreement for her to continue," Jalingo told Sahara Reporters.

 

Some members of the college community and stakeholders in the health sector have expressed concerns over allegations that Esther Gana, the immediate past provost, has refused to relinquish her position despite reaching retirement age.

 

According to sources, Esther Gana, who officially retired on October 27, 2024, has continued to perform official duties due to her new contract, which stipulates that she continue as provost of the institution for a specified period.

 

"She was appointed by the previous administration, so the issues regarding her qualification to hold the office should not be attributed to this government. The governor has extended her tenure, and she is on contract with all relevant documents at the office of the Secretary to the State Government. Those sponsoring media campaigns against her continued stay in office should also consider her performance. The college has witnessed significant progress under her leadership, and the governor may want her to consolidate on these gains.

 

The governor has the power to engage her if the state still needs her services; therefore, no rule or law has been violated," a source told this paper.

Earlier the National Coalition of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, NCNCSON, has urged the Taraba State government and relevant authorities to urgently investigate the ongoing leadership crisis in the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo.

 

Making the appeal in a statement, the coalition stressed the need for the state government to take swift action to safeguard the institution's credibility.

 

The coalition believes the reasons for the ongoing leadership tussle in the institution, is the failure to adhere to retirement protocols, and non-compliance with standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, and the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE,