Taraba
Kwararafa University Awards Honorary Degrees to Attah Igala, Former NNPC Boss, Kente
Eleojo Samuel Jalingo
Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State, has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on a former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, the Attah-Igala, Mathew Alaji Oguche and a former director of finance of the National Assembly, David Kente.
The conferment of the degrees was held on Saturday at the premises of the university during the 2nd combined 2017-2024 convocation ceremony of the university.
Mr Yakubu, a former GMD of NNPC now NNPCL, was conferred with a Doctor of Science degree, the Attah Igala was awarded a Doctor of Letters degree, while Mr Kente was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service.
While congratulating the recipients, the University’s Vice Chancellor, prof. Shishi Zhema, said “while we celebrate and recognise your achievements in various aspects of human endeavours, we are quick to remind you of the responsibility these honours come with.”
In his remarks, Mr Yakubu, who is also the Pro Chancellor of the institution, said he is proud to be a descendant of the great Kwararafa Kingdom.
He urged the graduates to be proud of being products of the first Africa community University with rich cultural history.
Yakubu then announced a donation of N10 million for the establishment of a department in the University for the study of Kwararafa history.
Also speaking, Mr Kente, who has contributed a lot to the development of the University, appealed to other descendants of the dynasty across the country to join hands in uplifting the school.
While apologizing for the delay in holding convocation, Zhema said “today’s event is a historic moment, as it marks only the second convocation in the university’s life since our last in March 2017.
“We recognise the delays some of our graduates faced in receiving their original certificates and I deeply apologise for these setbacks.
“This convocation covers eight graduating sets and we are committed to holding future convocations annually, to ensure that our graduates receive the recognition they deserve promptly.
“The university is committed to improving its processes and upholding its promise of providing quality education and a streamlined experience for our students,” he said.
Mr Zhema said that since he took over the mantle of leadership, he has been working with his management towards enhancing the university’s policies and vision.
“Building on my predecessor’s strong foundation, we have introduced new policies and improvements aimed at continuous development.
“It is through such collaborative and forward-looking leadership that Kwararafa University, Wukari continues to grow as a beacon of higher learning and social transformation in Nigeria.
“Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our students and the community we serve.
“In the past two years, we have made significant strides across various fronts. Our enrollment numbers have seen remarkable growth, reflecting the increasing trust in the quality and relevance of our programmes.
“Through the National Universities Commission, we have achieved accreditation for all academic programmes, stabilised our academic calendar and enhanced the infrastructural development of both our city and main campuses.
“Furthermore, we have taken a bold step to introduce postgraduate programmes. These programmes have been resource verified by the NUC and we are optimistic about further expanding our offerings to meet the demands of our evolving world.
“This represents our commitment to providing a world-class education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive.
“A crucial aspect of our strategy has been fostering sustainable partnerships and entrepreneurial endeavours.
“These initiatives are part of our mission to diversify funding sources, prioritise staff welfare and create a stable environment for both students and staff.
“Our goal is to build a vibrant academic community that can adapt and innovate in response to emerging challenges.
“Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students. It is with great pride that I announce the success of 26 students who have attained the prestigious First Class Honours across our three colleges, with nine of them set to receive the university’s prestigious awards,” he noted.//////
Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University has suspended the over one month strike action.
Dr. Joshua Mbaver, the ASUU chairman disclosed in a press release on Saturday that the state has agreed to meet the demands of the union that necessitated the strike action on December 5, 2024.
According to the statement, the strike action was necessitated by the Taraba State Government’s partial implementation
of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action
(MoAs) agreed upon with the Union since 2014.
The ASUU chairman further disclosed that key issues under dispute have been addressed with commitments.
“That the Government, through the Governing Council, will enhance university funding in line with Taraba State Law No. 4 of 2008.
“Also, an initial payment of 10% of the total accumulated sum for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), has been disbursed. Subsequently, 5% of the accumulated sum will be released monthly, commencing in February 2025, until the entire arrears are fully defrayed.
“That, the government has approved the implementation of a State-Defined Pension Scheme, with specific provisions for the prompt and efficient payment of benefits.
“Furthermore, a template for clearing arrears will be finalized by the first week of February 2025.
“That, Membership will be adjusted to comply with statutory requirements for the constitution of the University Governing Council
“That the Government has implemented the new national minimum wage and
consequential adjustments, with a commitment to timely salary payments”. The statement read.
Dr. Mbaver expressed that following the agreements in place, and with the approval of ASUU National, the ASUU-TSU Chapter has suspended the strike action with immediate effect.
“We extend our profound gratitude to ASUU National, the Zonal
leadership, and the TSU Congress for their unwavering support, which has culminated in the successful resolution of this struggle”.
The ASUU chairman commended governor Agbu Kefas for his steadfast commitment and
proactive leadership in resolving the recent dispute.
While expressing the Union’s profound gratitude to all stakeholders whose unwavering support and contributions facilitated the resolution of the strike, ASUU commended the leadership of the Ministry of Tertiary Education,
and the University Administration for their collaborative efforts that has made the resolution possible.
By Eleojo Samuel Adaji
In a decisive blow against illegal arms proliferation, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected gunrunner, Alhaji Adamu Usman, in Maraban Gassol, Taraba State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops launched a precision operation on January 13, 2025, storming the suspect’s residence in Gassol Local Government Area. A search of the property led to the discovery of a fabricated submachine gun, suspected to be part of an illegal arms trafficking network fueling insecurity in the region.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, hailed the troops’ swift action and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements and restoring lasting peace in Taraba State.
“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its mission to combat illicit arms proliferation. We urge the public to collaborate by providing credible information to help us address security challenges effectively,” Brigadier General Uwa stated.
The arrest highlighted the growing synergy between military intelligence and community cooperation, marking a significant stride in the fight against insecurity in Taraba State.
By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Months after the collapse of the Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari Federal Highway, cries for intervention from Taraba State have grown louder.
Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central in the Senate, and other stakeholders are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for immediate action to reconstruct the vital infrastructure, which has been out of service since August last year.
The Namnai Bridge, a critical link between southern Nigeria, the North-East region, and the Federal Capital Territory, served as an economic lifeline, connecting Taraba with neighboring states such as Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa. Its collapse after heavy rainfall has severely disrupted social and economic activities, leaving motorists stranded and communities isolated.
In the wake of the collapse, locals and travelers resorted to temporary measures, such as canoes and ferries, to navigate the river. However, businesses and trade in the region have suffered, with vehicles forced to take a 120-kilometer detour via Garba-Chede-Mutum and Jalingo roads, significantly increasing travel costs and time.
Despite assurances from the state government to install a military floating bridge, no action has been taken, leaving residents frustrated.
Agbu Kefas
Residents are questioning why bridges in other parts of the North-East, such as those along the Yola-Gombe and Gombe-Bauchi roads, have been reconstructed, while the Namnai Bridge remains neglected. Senator Haruna Manu highlighted the disparity, calling for equal attention to Taraba’s plight.
Both Senator Manu and Hon. Ja’faru Yakubu Chiroma, who represents Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, have raised the matter on the floors of their
Senator Haruna Manu
Manu disclosed that he has personally engaged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and emphasized the bridge’s strategic importance, urging the government to act before the rainy season begins.
Chiroma, who mobilized two ferries to aid stranded motorists after the collapse, has also engaged the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for intervention. The NEDC has assessed the damage and promised action, but no progress has been seen on the ground.
Prominent Taraba stakeholders warn that if reconstruction does not commence before the rainy season, Taraba risks being cut off from the rest of the country, with dire economic and social consequences.
They urge President Tinubu to prioritize the Namnai Bridge, just as the federal government acted swiftly to address similar challenges in other states.
As the rainy season looms, the people of Taraba wait anxiously for tangible progress, hoping their cries for help will not go unheard.
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