The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, on Friday, swore in Mike Jen, as the new Commissioner for Tertiary Education, describing the appointment as a strategic step towards repositioning higher education in the state.
Jen, who until his appointment was a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly representing Karim Lamido II constituency, voluntarily resigned his legislative seat to join the State Executive Council.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Jalingo, Kefas said the appointment was borne out of a deep desire to solve the lingering challenges facing the tertiary education sector.
“I have been cracking my brain on how to solve the problem of tertiary education in Taraba, and my X-ray machine located Hon. Mike Dio Jen,” the governor said.
He commended Dio Jen’s passion for service and his willingness to sacrifice his legislative position for the greater good of the state.
“Governance is not easy. It requires getting the right people in the right places to get things done, especially in a state like Taraba.
“I congratulate the commissioner, his family, and constituents, and I call on all stakeholders to support him to succeed,” Kefas added.
In his acceptance speech, Jen thanked the governor for finding him worthy of the appointment and promised to give his best to improve the standard of tertiary education in the state.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment. I thank His Excellency for the trust and confidence reposed in me. I pledge to work with all stakeholders to address the challenges facing our tertiary institutions in the state,” he said.
Dio Jen noted that Governor Kefas’ ongoing investment in education would yield long-term results, even if not immediately visible.
“The investment in education which the governor is doing may not be seen by many in the immediate term, but he is placing Taraba on the global map,” he added.
Our correspondent reports that the Governor also presented staff of office to the third-class Chief of Sansani, HRH Alhaji Bello Nuhu Mohammed following his selection by the kingmakers.
