The Taraba State Ministry of Tertiary Education has dismissed reports linking the suspension of the Rector of the Taraba State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology to the institution’s TETFund intervention funds.
The ministry said the suspension of the Rector, Yakubu Garjila, was instead connected to an alleged failure by the college to comply with a directive of Governor Agbu Kefas on the reduction of tuition fees by 50 per cent.
The clarification followed reports alleging that the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mike Dio Jen, had demanded TETFund intervention funds from the Rector, resulting in a dispute between the two officials.
In a statement issued to clarify the matter, Dio Jen said the allegation leading to the Rector’s suspension relates to the college’s alleged failure to implement the approved reduction in tuition fees.
“The allegation is that the College continued to collect tuition fees without implementing the approved reduction. In view of the seriousness of the allegation, the matter is currently under investigation, and an investigative panel has been constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the issue and establish the facts,” the commissioner said.
The ministry stressed that the investigation is still ongoing and urged the public not to draw conclusions before the panel completes its assignment.
“The Ministry wishes to emphasise that the investigation is ongoing, and no final conclusion should be drawn until the panel completes its assignment and submits its report,” the statement said.
It also acknowledged the role of the media in investigating alleged wrongdoing and holding public institutions accountable, but urged media organisations to ensure accuracy, fairness, balance and proper verification before publishing reports on sensitive matters.
“While the media has a legitimate and important responsibility to investigate alleged wrongdoing in government and hold public institutions accountable, such responsibility must be exercised with equal commitment to accuracy, fairness, balance and proper verification of facts,” the ministry said.
The ministry called on members of the public to remain calm and refrain from relying on unverified reports concerning the matter, adding that the outcome of the investigation would be communicated through appropriate official channels.
It also urged media practitioners to verify information, seek clarification from relevant authorities and give all parties an opportunity to respond before publishing reports involving public institutions and officials.
The Taraba State Ministry of Tertiary Education said it remained committed to transparency, accountability and due process, as well as the continued implementation of the policies of the Taraba State Government in the interest of students, staff and residents of the state.
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