Leadership Crisis Rocks Taraba College of Nursing as Retired Provost Refuses to Vacate Office

The Taraba College of Nursing and Midwifery is facing a leadership crisis as Esther Gana, the retired Provost, has refused to relinquish her position after reaching retirement age in October 2024. Gana continues to perform her duties, including signing checks and awarding contracts, despite the controversy surrounding her qualifications.

The former Governor of Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku, appointed Gana, whose qualifications have been questioned by staff members and regulatory bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the National Board for Technical Education. The Taraba State Civil Service Commission approved Gana's retirement in August 2024, but she has defied the directive to vacate her office.

When contacted, Gana redirected inquiries to the state government spokesperson, Zainab Jalingo, who defended Gana's continued engagement through a contractual agreement. Calls for urgent action have been made by the Nigerian College of Nursing and Midwifery to address the crisis at the Taraba College of Nursing and Midwifery.