RE: THE POWER-PLAY AND CORRUPTION IN FCE PANKSHIN UNDER PROVOST AMOS CIRFAT

My attention has been drawn to the above publication by one Kazi Ya Nanyah published on 8th July, 2020 on Ace News Online. The said publication which purportedly seeks to expose corruption, mal-administration and possible malfeasance, unfortunately is laced with manifest falsehood, inconsistencies and betrays an attempt at ridiculing the reputation of the amiable Provost which was earned through years of hard work and integrity.
This campaign of calumny is not unexpected as it is reminiscent of the societal ills we face these days, where political jobbers are recruited to drag perceived opponents into muddy waters. This is our sad reality and one we have to live with. As Tuface would say, “If nobody talks about you, then you are nobody”. I see this latest attempt as a testament to the good work which Dr. Amos Cirfat has started in FCE Pankshin with a view to doing more if afforded another opportunity.
For starters, the opening paragraph of Mr. Nanyah’s publication depicts deep bitterness and a personal vendetta against Dr. Cirfat for reasons best known to the author and God. To impute that the appointment of Dr. Cirfat as provost of FCE Pankshin was faulty is not only laughable, but condemnable. It is on the record that Dr. Cirfat participated in all stages of the appointment process and was ajudged to be the best candidate for the job. There is no gainsaying that the provost was imminently qualified by both educational qualification and years of experience. It is this experience that has reflected in the rapid development of the College. The massive infrastructural development seen in the College bears this fact.
Again, it is left to be seen how a man who is not part of the college management has privy information about the resolutions of a management meeting. He purports that there was a “teleguided endorsement” of the provost for a second term. I am not surprised that Dr. Cirfat will be endorsed for a second term as the College’s Provost if there was any endorsement, I even dare to say that it is a moral responsibility on all well-meaning members of the college community. This is given his impeccable record of achievements during his tenure. What Nanyah claims to be “teleguided” is an overwhelming affirmation of the sterling leadership qualities of Dr. Cirfat. It also well within the rights of the management to endorse anyone for any position whom they feel has the capacity to perform optimally. This right has been exercised and anyone whose ox is gored by such endorsement can conveniently lick his wounds without casting aspersions on the person of the provost who knows nothing about such endorsement.
Furthermore in another display of his penchant for falsehood, the author alleged that the Provost has initiated moves to halt the advertisement for the position of the Provost which will become vacant in November, 2020 and also to interfere with the selection process. This allegation is spurious and most laughable. It shows the author’s complete lack of appreciation of leadership recruitment process not only in FCE Pankshin, but other tertiary institutions in the country. For the avoidance of doubt, the Provost is not the appointing authority to the position of the Provost and has no control whatsoever of the process. If per chance he seeks another term in office, he is bound to go through the same process as everyone else who seeks to occupy that seat. The Office of the Provost of FCE Pankshin will certainly become vacant in due course and anyone who aspires for the office can apply for that office without hindrance. After all, Dr. Cirfat is not the first to become provost and most certainly won’t be the last. Leadership only comes from God.
Thereafter, the author went on a downward spiral in a lame attempt to whip up sentiments. He asserts that the peace enjoyed in the college as a result of cordial relationship created by Dr. Cirfat with both staff and student unions is unhealthy for the college. This to my mind is most mischievous and I condemn it in strong terms. It has been known the world over that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. This has remained the motto for Dr. Cirfat and he has achieved that peace which has given him the room to operate in a rancor free environment. The author suggests that, the peace in the institution was bought and I agree completely with him. This peace was bought by payment of backlog B.ED Honorarium for two years to the staff, clearing of debts of excess workload and creation of a conducive environment for both staff and students. If this is not a fair price for peace then I don’t know what is.
Lastly, Mr. Nanyah, claims that students who have graduated are yet to be given their certificates but only testimonials. For record purposes, the degree programme of FCE Pankshin is an affiliate programme of the faculty of Education, University of Jos. What this implies is that, certificates for the degree programme run in the College emanate from the University of Jos. Thankfully, the author alludes to the fact that these graduates have embarked on and even completed their NYSC programme in record time. There was a time when students graduated in 2012 but only embarked on NYSC in 2015, three years after graduation. That was the gory tale of graduates of the College. Dr. Cirfat upon assumption of office changed this narrative and made it possible for students of the College to join their colleagues all over the country for national service without delay. He deserves applause and not castigation.
Let me close by saying that the sky is wide enough for everyone to thrive. The perpetration of “Pull him down” syndrome can only lead to rancor and animosity. For anyone who aspires to the office of the Provost, I advise that you do so within the ambits of decency by applying for it, following due process and trusting in God. Commissioning stooges and charlatans to do your dirty work does not guarantee you success in your aspiration. To my friend Mr. Kazi Ya Nanyah, I wish you well.