A group of concerned students of the College of Nursing Science, Jalingo, Taraba State, have criticized the leadership style of the Provost of the institution, Esther Gana.
Citing alleged sudden decline in the institution’s academic standards and mismanagement, the groups in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, in Jalingo, asked the state government to intervene.
The statement is in response to claims by the Concerned Youths Group, TCYG, which recently dismissed criticisms of the provost.
In the statement, the students debunked TCYG’s claims, calling the group a “fake and mischievous entity” attempting to deflect attention from the issues plaguing the institution.
“We categorically disassociate ourselves from the TCYG and their baseless statements. With due respect, Mama Provost, you are tired—please step aside,” the statement read.
Pleading anonymity for fear of being victimized, the group outlined several challenges under the present leadership of the college, including allegations of student exploitation, financial burdens on students, and lack of academic and infrastructural improvements.
They also highlighted the college’s alleged poor performance in the November 2024 Nursing Council Examinations, where only 8% of students passed.
“Since her tenure began, the college has seen a dramatic decline in academic standards. The poor results are a direct consequence of the provost’s failure to provide an enabling study environment,” they stated.
They further alleged that the college administration had been misusing funds to sponsor propaganda instead of addressing pressing institutional needs.
The group called on the Provost to release the Nursing Council examination results for the past two years, insisting that transparency would reveal the college’s deteriorating state.
“We fear that this trend mirrors the circumstances that previously led to the college losing accreditation and facing a decade-long admission embargo. History must not repeat itself,” they warned.
They urged the state government to intervene and address the issues to prevent further damage to the institution’s reputation and the governor’s administration.
They also called on the public to disregard TCYG’s statement, which they described as lacking merit and failing to address critical issues raised by stakeholders.