Provost re-appointment inflames protest in Plateau College of Health Technology, Pankshin.
Protesting workers of the Plateau State College of Health Technology, Pankshin, under the auspices of the Joint Union of Plateau State Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI), have kicked against the re-appointment of Dr. Prince Francis Isah Fwangje as Provost of the College to serve for another four-year term.
Making their position known in an interview with newsmen shortly after their meeting with the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Bernard Matur, which also had in attendance all union members, at the College Multi-purpose Hall, the Chairman of the joint union, Comrade Gokir Fwenshinen Ayuba said their decision was based on the several complaints against the Provost whose first tenure has just expired.
According to him, some of the complaints against Dr. Fwangje include lack of judicious use of the funds, as there are not enough lecture halls while facilities in the College are not also encouraging, despite the increase in school fees and other sources of revenue, pointing out also that he hardly comes to the office.
Comrade Gokir Fwenshinen averred that they were also against the appointment of a Provost from outside the College as it was not in conformity with the guidelines for making such appointments which is a case of depriving members of the academia within the system who are not only qualified but capable of occupying such positions.
The joint union Chairman maintained that the Governing Council of the College was not also in support of the re-appointment of the Provost, adding that even though the Hon Commissioner pleaded with the unions to accept the decision of the state government in good faith as the appointment had already been made, but they rejected his plea, which subsequently resulted into some members chanting, ‘ Fwangje must go’ Fwangje must go’ Fwanje must go’, after the meeting.
He, therefore assured that they will still repeat their submission to the Plateau State government with the necessary documents to substantiate the allegations against the Provost, with a view to defending their position on the matter.
