How Kefas transformed College of Agric. Jalingo- Provost

From a student of College of Agriculture, Jalingo, a monotechnic, Dr. Yakubu Ali Garjila, rose to become the Provost of the same institution, now known as College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Jalingo, a polytechnic. He tells our Correspondent NICK YASHI, how Governor Agbu Kefas was able to transform the institution.  

Q: You had the dream of coming to make an impact in this institution where you were once a student, you served and you are here today. Within this period that you got yourself here, how has been the journey so far?

A: There are lots of achievements. First of all, we have achieved the change of the college name from College of Agriculture to College of Agriculture, Science and Technology which is a step forward to actualize as a polytechnic which in turn would enter TETFUND. Secondly, the College is running post graduate diploma in six courses now, affiliated to Federal University Wukari. And then NBTE came for the re-accreditation of 12 courses. They came back again for resource verification and accreditation of the new courses that have been introduced. And we thank God, we have successfully gotten our letter as a polytechnic now which we have submitted to TETFUND. And again, we invited the University of Jos to run some degree courses in the College and they have agreed. They sent their resource persons to come and see the facilities. And they gave us areas to improve. They would soon come for resource verification and actualization of those things they have observed. So by the grace of God, this year we shall be running a degree program in the College.  

Q: Within your lean resources, how were you able to achieve this milestone?

A: The government is 100 percent behind us. (The administration of Dr Agbu Kefas). At my own end, I in particular go out to source for money before we would be reimbursed in order to beat up time. We borrow money with interest, go out and do some work and the government repays.  

Q: Now that your mission is to make impact and with this success story, what are the challenges you are facing?

A: Number one, we want the college to be like other higher institutions so that we would have more students and our staff would be going out for training. His Excellency has approved the engagement of more staff. We have enough staff now. The resource persons that visited the college know that the college has enough manpower now. The next thing is that when TETFUND comes, we would be sending our staff for more training and publications. We will make sure we follow what is recommended for a polytechnic. As I talk now, we are expecting visitors today or tomorrow from TETFUND to look at some things and take the report back.  

Q:Now that you have met the required staff strength, training is key. And with the lean resources, what initiatives do you want to bring to complement government efforts in staff training?

A: I have organized training for the newly replaced staff of which the training will be starting today based on departments. At least we introduced them to induction courses then later on if TETFUND comes in, we will be pushing our staff out for training of which there is a special fund meant for it.  

Q:How do you cope with this 50% reduction in school fees?

A: We are not affected by the 50% reduction. Our school fees is very small. Just N28,000 for diploma and N34,000, so they didn't reduce anything for us. We are not included in the 50% reduction.  

Q: Security has become an issue of concern, how do you cope with the security challenges within the school environment?

A: I call on people living around the area to also help government. It is not the government alone that would provide security. We are on top here to secure the college. The college is so porous. But we thank God now. If you go round, fencing of the school is going on right now. It is funded by TETFUND.  

Q: Cuts in... That means you already have TETFUND intervention?

A: No, we have not started. Mind you, we were once part of ITF. Later on we were removed. The university is also included.  

Q: Now, recently the governor granted employment to over 250 persons, how do you receive this gesture from the governor?

A: In fact, come to the gate and mention Dr Agbu Kefas or say a negative word, the students would beat you up. Our students are hailing him. In the past, a lecturer would take three courses of which he won't be able to give his best but now, he has given us enough manpower for all the courses.  

Q: What challenges are you facing as you journey through?

A: You have people that want to pull you down. All the efforts we are making, their problem is that it is Garjila that would be mentioned. So they try to pull me down. Some of them would try to dish out lies that you will be surprised. NBTE came here and they were so surprised. They still go around and say, they will not achieve. They want us to remain stagnant but for me I can be an enemy to others but I don't have enemies. Any amount that enters the college, they want us to share it but I say it won't happen. As I tell you, I sold two of my cars in order to do some things in the college. I made sacrifices but some of them don't want to sacrifice.  

Q: There is this new slogan, 'Garjila, the new face of College of Agric". This was made after comparing your performance with previous administrations. How challenged are you by this slogan and what are your future plans?  

A: Kefas is giving me 100% support. In fact he is taking College of Agric as his first born. In fact, every of my achievement is from him. He has been very supportive.  

**Q: A member representing Taraba in TETFUND, Alhaji Sani Abubakar, promised that he will ensure that the College of Agric and College of Education take centre stage in TETFUND intervention. How do you intend to collaborate with him to ensure that this dream is achieved?**  

A: I called him last year to say I want to meet him with my requests. I was able to meet with him with the stakeholders. That was how we came up with this achievements. He is 100% in support of all that I have put forward.  

**Q: Do you have problem of cultism in your institution?**  

A: We don't have any.  

**Q: As Tarabans are expecting the best from Governor Kefas, what is the assurance of support to the administration. This is considering the accusation against you for romancing with some APC stakeholders?**  

A: What I love with the governor is that he is not party biased. He works with different parties. His own is to make sure that the state succeeds. That is what I am also doing. I don't mind if you are APC provided you will help the college to move forward. I am a PDP member. I was once a Supervisory Councillor for Education for Donga LGA. But I have secondary school mates who belong to different parties. I call on them for help. More to that, I would not change my support. I am 100% in support of Dr Agbu Kefas.  

**Q: During my interview with you a year ago, you admitted to not knowing the contractors handling projects in the college.**  

A: I know the contractors. During the supervisory visit. At least they would release some funds to them. It is just funds that stopped the work.  

**Q: What should people expect going forward for the college?**  

A: Before the end of this year, you will see a lot of things. You will see structures, you will see students. We already have staff. We don't have problem of light. We have N12 to N13 million naira to pay bills. I inherited N10 million we added on top of it. College of Agric would be the new Jerusalem. We pray for the governor for God to guide him!