Reptiles, weeds take over Taraba school of nursing, midwifery

Taraba State School of Nursing and Midwifery, once a citadel of learning in the Northeast region, has become a haven for dangerous reptiles and  grazing fields for cattle.

The college, built by a former governor Jolly Nyame, and situated in the heart of Jalingo, the state capital, is a shadow of its old self, following lukewarm attitude of the current state government towards its rehabilitation.

Apart from the reptiles that are now having a field day in the school premises, unwanted plants have taken over the school premises.

The current situation of the institution, which is not only imparting negatively on the students, also affect the staff and management of the school.

Members of the staff, who spoke to The Guardian cited the dilapidated structures and failure of government to insert the right peg in the right hole as reasons for the institution’s continuous devaluation.

Speaking with The Guardian, a staff member said: “This condition has forced our school to remain behind the standards required of Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery in the country.

PHOTO: CHARLES AKPEJI

“Lack of lecture halls and other academic inputs is currently hindering accreditation of many courses, which we believe a serious government would have tackled, for the progress of the school and produce quality health personnel in the state.

“Due to this situation, lecturers have to take the pain of renting apartments and paying for transport or fueling their vehicles to school on a daily basis even though we do not have required materials and environment to groom young health engineers.”

Some students said unwanted weeds that have taken over the school premises make it impossible for them to come around to read at night.

“ I learnt that those engaged to take care of the premises have all left due to government’s inability to offset their bills,” the student said.

Also, an official of the ministry of tertiary institution, said: “The fault is not from us here in the ministry, but the state government for ceasing  to release monthly running costs to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).”