Civil Society Urges FG to Clarify Jigawa Agricultural College's Provost Appointment

News in Brief:

-The Citizens Coalition Against Corruption has urged the Federal Government to clarify how Dr Muhammad Yusha’u Gwaram was appointed Provost of the new Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasamma.

-The group says past administrative controversies linked to FCAPT Kano have resurfaced, heightening calls for transparency and due process.

The Citizens Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide clear details on the process that led to the appointment of Dr Muhammad Yusha’u Gwaram as the pioneer Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasamma, in Jigawa State.

The institution, established in 2021, is still in its formative phase, and civil society actors say early decisions regarding leadership could shape its credibility, governance culture, and long-term academic direction.

Stakeholders Revisit Past Administrative Concerns

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mohammed Abdullahi, the coalition said the appointment has generated unease among some players in the agricultural education sector. It noted that several stakeholders have referenced administrative issues linked to Dr Gwaram’s previous tenure at the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), Kano.

Abdullahi highlighted a 2023 National Industrial Court judgment involving FCAPT, which remains a topic of public debate. While emphasising that the group was not affirming any claims or allegations related to the case, he said the matter had shaped perceptions around leadership transitions in the sector.

CCAC added that past petitions and complaints raised by members of the public regarding administrative conduct at FCAPT have resurfaced following the new appointment. Although Dr Gwaram has often pointed to his achievements in infrastructure development and academic expansion, the coalition noted that some stakeholders remain concerned about governance practices under his previous leadership.

Calls for Transparency in a Foundational Appointment

The coalition stated that these differing viewpoints underscore the need for a transparent, well-communicated selection process for the pioneer Provost of a newly established federal institution.

“As a new institution created by an Act of the National Assembly in 2021, the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasamma, deserves a leadership selection process that inspires confidence,” the statement said.

CCAC added that the law clearly outlines the role of a Joint Council and an Academic Selection Board in appointing a Provost. It stressed that the absence of an official explanation from the Federal Government, the Ministry of Agriculture, or the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has contributed to rising public unease.

Civil Society Demands Official Explanation

The group urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to disclose the procedure that produced the appointment, arguing that transparency would strengthen the integrity of agricultural education institutions nationwide.

CCAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, due process, and good governance across public institutions and urged stakeholders to act strictly in line with the law.