Taraba Health College Probes Alleged Removal of Computers, Queries Staff
The management of the Taraba State College of Health Technology, Takum, has launched an investigation into allegations that computers and other equipment were removed from the institution’s Information and Communication Technology Department.
A five-member disciplinary committee has been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged removal and determine whether any member of staff was involved in wrongdoing.
As part of the investigation, the institution has also issued a query to Mr. Emmanuel Nahum, giving him 48 hours to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him in connection with the allegations.
Social Media Reports Trigger Attention
The controversy followed reports circulating on social media alleging that computer systems and other gadgets belonging to the college had been removed from its ICT Department.
Management said it initially decided not to respond publicly to the claims.
However, as the allegations continued to attract attention, the institution said it became necessary to address the matter in the interest of transparency, accountability and public confidence.
Rather than immediately drawing conclusions, the college opted to establish a committee to investigate what actually happened.
Five-Member Committee Begins Probe
The disciplinary committee has been given the responsibility of establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged removal of the equipment.
A key part of its assignment will be determining whether the computers or other items were improperly removed and whether any official bears responsibility.
The investigation is also expected to establish the circumstances under which any equipment may have left the ICT Department.
Management stressed that the allegations have not yet been established as fact and remain subject to verification by the committee.
That distinction is important because an allegation circulating publicly does not, on its own, establish wrongdoing.
Staff Member Given 48 Hours
As part of the internal process, Mr. Emmanuel Nahum was issued a formal query.
He was given 48 hours to provide an explanation and state why disciplinary action should not be taken against him in connection with the allegations.
According to the college management, the query was issued pursuant to applicable provisions of the Public Service Rules.
Being queried does not mean the staff member has been found guilty.
Instead, it provides an opportunity for him to respond to the issues raised before management reaches a decision.
College Warns Against Premature Judgment
Management has appealed to students, staff and members of the public to avoid reaching conclusions while the investigation is ongoing.
It urged stakeholders to allow the disciplinary process to run its course without prejudicing the outcome.
This means the committee’s findings will be crucial in determining whether the allegations are substantiated and whether disciplinary action is necessary.
Until that process is completed, the college has maintained that the claims remain allegations.
Findings Will Determine Next Action
The five-member committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to determine what happens next.
If the investigation establishes that equipment was improperly removed, the committee will also be expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether any staff member was responsible.
Management said any officer eventually found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with existing regulations.
On the other hand, if the allegations cannot be established, the investigative process should equally provide clarity.
Public Assets Under Scrutiny
The controversy has placed the management of institutional equipment at the centre of public attention.
Computers and ICT equipment are important assets for educational institutions, particularly as teaching, administration and record management become increasingly dependent on technology.
Protecting such equipment is therefore important to the effective operation of the institution.
The investigation provides an opportunity for the college to establish the facts and demonstrate how it handles allegations involving public assets.
Management Pledges Accountability
The college has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting institutional property and maintaining professionalism, discipline and accountability.
It also emphasised sound institutional governance as the investigation continues.
For management, the challenge will be to ensure that the process is thorough and fair to everyone involved.
For the staff member who has been queried, the 48-hour response provides an opportunity to present his account before any disciplinary decision is made.
All Eyes on Investigative Committee
Attention will now turn to the findings of the five-member committee.
Its investigation is expected to answer the central questions surrounding the controversy: Were computers or other equipment improperly removed from the ICT Department? If so, how did it happen, and who was responsible?
Until those questions are answered, accusations should not be treated as established facts.
The college has taken the first step by opening a formal investigation. What matters next is whether that process produces clear findings and ensures accountability where wrongdoing is established.
