Dear Mr Rikwense Muri,
After thoroughly reviewing your article titled “Exploring the Taraba State University Visitation Panel Report: Insights, Projections, and Emerging Concerns,” I feel compelled to express my disappointment in your assertions on the findings and recommendations put forth by the visitation panel. It is imperative to address the inaccuracies and misconceptions contained in the report.
Firstly, it is very crucial to highlight the extensive experience and expertise that the targeted members of the governing council possess. The claim made by the visitation panel, led by Dr. Josiah Sabo Kente, regarding the supposed lack of experience among the governing council members, is both unfounded and insulting. Allow me to provide a brief overview of the credentials of some of the members: Ambassador Idris Waziri CON has held various positions of leadership and responsibility within the Federal Republic of Nigeria, serving as Teacher, Chairman, Commissioner, and Minister amongst others, accumulating over 40 years of experience across diverse roles and capacities, Simon Dogari a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, and was a former member of a governing council at a university in Plateau State has both demonstrated their competence and integrity in their previous roles. Their invaluable insights into university governance have been well-established, and their contributions to the Taraba State University Governing Council are significant.
Moreover, the visitation panel’s assertion supported by you that the aforementioned governing council lacks experience in higher education management and the appointment was political is devoid of substance. It is evident that their assessment of the council’s capabilities is misguided and fails to acknowledge the wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise possessed by its members.
“It’s important for both you and the Visitation Panel to understand that the selection process meticulously considered candidates from traditional, religious, and highly esteemed backgrounds due to their extensive experience and pivotal roles in their communities. and Nigeria at large. The government’s decision to appoint them wasn’t arbitrary; it was based on thorough documentation of their credentials and experiences. It’s a common misconception that politicians are solely focused on politics; in reality, they bring diverse areas of expertise to the table that are often overlooked.”
Furthermore, I am deeply troubled and saddened by Dr. Josiah Sabo Kente’s resort to personal attacks and unsubstantiated accusations against members of the said university’s governing council. His earlier claims of bribery allegations and later denied the claim tarnished the reputation of TSU. It is clear that his motives are questionable, and his impartiality in conducting the investigation must be scrutinized thoroughly. The inconsistency in Dr. Kente’s statements regarding the competence of the university’s leadership raises further concerns about the credibility of the report. While criticizing the governing council for their supposed lack of experience, you and Dr simultaneously praise the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership on media, and the Vice Chancellor is part of the governing council, Such contradictions undermine the integrity of the entire report.
Moreover Mr Muri, your recent interview on TVC news, where you evaded questions and failed to provide coherent responses, further highlights your dubious nature. The abrupt termination of the interview by TVC is due to your inability to address the issues at hand and speaks volumes about the validity of your backings and allegations raised by the Panel.
Mr Muri Your recent post on your Facebook page of the picture featuring the Chairman of the Governing Council, alongside the former Governor of Taraba State His Excellency Darius Ishaku , without caption or explanation shortly after the release of the Visitation Panel’s report, could be interpreted as displaying rudeness, aggression, and potentially crossing into the realm of cyberbullying.
I urge The Government of Taraba State, stakeholders, and the general public to reject some of the flawed findings of the Visitation Panel and demonstrate solidarity with the accused respected members of the governing council. Their unwavering commitment to upholding the standards of quality education in Taraba State should not be undermined by baseless attacks and accusations.
Ibrahim Mohammed Ashu
