FTC JALINGO REQUEST TWO MAJOR INTERVENTIONS FROM THE TARABA STATE GOVERNMENT.
The Principal of The College
Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Jalingo, a premier technical institution in Taraba State, has requested two major interventions from the state government. Established in 1988, FSTC Jalingo aims to provide top-notch technical education, nurturing talented individuals into skilled technicians who can drive technological advancements in the 21st century.
Since its inception, the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Jalingo has operated from its temporary Magami site until its relocation to the permanent Sabongari site two years ago. However, the new site lacks adequate facilities, though the management’s strategic decision to move away from the temporary site was with the hope of drawing the Federal Ministry of Education’s attention to the institution’s plight and quick solutions.
Although the Federal Government has provided classroom accommodations, hostels, and staff quarters, parts of the staff quarters remain unoccupied due to the absence of nearby water sources.
Thirty-six years after its establishment and subsequent relocation, FSTC Jalingo can only partially fulfil its mandate due to inadequate infrastructure. The institution struggles with basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sufficient accommodation, hindering its ability to operate at full capacity. This shortage of essential facilities particularly affects the college’s practical training programs, which are its core focus.
Recently, Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Jalingo hosted a three-week Technology and Science Education Training Camp for technical colleges in the North East sub-region of Nigeria. The camp focused on skills acquisition, providing a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their technical expertise.
Dr. Bibinu Samuel Ahmed, the Principal of the College seized the occasion to appeal to the Taraba State Government to intervene in addressing the institution’s pressing infrastructure needs. Specifically, he requested that the government connect the college to the State Water Supply Corporation and the 33KVA power line as well as increase the number of solar lights in the school’s strategic locations for security purposes. This intervention would significantly enhance the operational capacity of the institution’s training programs.
For now, The College, (FSTC) Jalingo is struggling to manage an inadequate 11KVA power supply, which is insufficient to operate heavy-duty machines necessary for practical training. This limitation hinders the institution’s ability to provide students with hands-on experience according to standard requirements.
According to the principal, Dr. Bibinu Samuel Ahmed, the school’s population exceeds 1,000 students, with the majority residing on campus. This has resulted in significant pressure on the institution’s water supply, particularly during the dry season when water levels are low. The management is often forced to rely on water tankers, incurring additional financial expenses.
It is essential to recognize that while FSTC Jalingo is a federal institution; its presence in Taraba State has significant benefits for the local community. Approximately 80% of the institution’s workforce comprises Taraba indigenes. Specifically, 100% of junior staff (levels 1-6) and at least 40% of senior staff (levels 7 and above) are from Taraba State, with the remaining 60% distributed among the other 36 states.
It’s only logical that the state and its authorities take associated ownership and fully support the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Jalingo, considering the institution’s significant contributions to the state’s economy and education sector. The monthly federal government allocations for the institution do not only cater to its population but also generate revenue for the state. This would encourage the Federal Ministry to invest more in the institution, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and the worth of its graduates.
To achieve this, the Honorable Commissioner of Education and other stakeholders should adopt a broader approach towards augmenting the federal government’s efforts in promoting education in Taraba State.
The Taraba State government should acknowledge the institution’s value to the local community and provide necessary support to address its infrastructure challenges.
