College of Education Akwanga Inaugurates Congregation and Elects New Governing Council Representatives

On November 19, 2024, the College of Education Akwanga successfully inaugurated its College Congregation and conducted elections to select representatives for the institution’s Governing Council. This significant event followed the expiration of the tenure of the former Governing Council.

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Wakili Thani, Provost of the College and Chairman of the Congregation, opened the proceedings by urging attendees to set aside personal sentiments in their voting decisions. He remarked, “When you bring sentiment into an academic setting like this, you go too far,” and emphasized that the goal was to elect a representative who would serve the College’s interests rather than create conflict.

Rev. Thani also reflected on past challenges, noting that the College's promotion process had stalled since 2014. Despite these setbacks, he praised staff, management, unions, and former Council members for their sacrifices in ensuring the College’s continued progress.

The election criteria were outlined, stating that academic staff candidates must hold at least a Senior Lecturer rank or its equivalent, while non-academic staff candidates must be at the Assistant Deputy Registrar or Assistant Deputy Bursar level, with a reputation for integrity.

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the College Anthem, designed by Matthew Musa Agwale from the Music Section, Theater Arts Department under the supervision of Mohammed A. Danjuma, the HOD of Theater Arts.

The election process was conducted by the College Registrar, Mr. Ojikpa Yakubu Alem, who also serves as the Secretary of the College Congregation.

The Academic Staff had already conducted their election on November 18, 2024, with Dr. Aminu Dodo, Dean of the School of Education, elected as their representative to the Governing Council.

For the Non-Academic Staff, several nominees were presented, including Gloria Gamu Yare (Bursary Dept.), Kayinu Adamu (Former Bursar), Rabiu Angba (Bursary Dept.), and Zakari Isah (Undergraduate). Zakari Isah stepped down in favor of Rabiu Angba before the election.

A total of 265 accredited voters participated in the election. The votes were counted as follows:

- Gloria Gamu Yare: 18 votes

- Kayinu Adamu: 112 votes

- Rabiu Angba: 143 votes

- Invalid Votes: 7

With the highest votes, Rabiu Angba was declared the winner and will represent the Non-Academic Staff and the College Congregation at the Governing Council.

The election process was declared transparent, free, and fair, marking a successful event for the College of Education Akwanga as it moves forward in its academic and administrative pursuits.