Progressive workers at the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), Kano, have defended Dr. Muhammad Yusha’u Gwaram, the institution’s provost, amid growing online debate over whether his tenure should be extended as it approaches expiration.
In a rejoinder issued over the weekend, the staff rejected what they called “unfair and misleading” social media commentaries questioning Dr. Gwaram’s leadership, maintaining that his achievements “speak for themselves”.
“It is unfair and misleading for anyone to downplay or ignore the visible achievements recorded under Dr. Gwaram’s stewardship,” the workers said, arguing that his performance should be measured by “tangible impacts, reforms, and value created”.
Appointed five years ago, Dr. Gwaram is credited by supporters with introducing reforms that they say have positioned FCAPT as a leading institution in agricultural skills training and youth empowerment.
The staff said his tenure aligned with the Federal Government’s policy objectives, particularly food security, job creation and youth engagement.
“Dr. Gwaram has proven himself as one of the most outstanding Provosts in the history of FCAPT,” the statement said, citing practical trainings and starter kits provided to students which have enabled many graduates to venture into agribusiness.
With speculation over a possible extension of his term, the workers pointed to similar precedents in other federal agricultural colleges and research institutes where extensions were granted on the basis of performance. They insisted that continuing his leadership “would not be out of place… and is justified by his reform-driven leadership”.
“In an era when many leaders are driven by personal gain, Dr. Gwaram has remained committed to service delivery and institutional growth,” the workers added. “His transformative leadership has instilled confidence in staff and elevated the reputation of FCAPT, Kano.”
Appealing to critics to assess the institution directly rather than rely on online claims, the workers urged a visit to the college “to witness firsthand the reforms and innovations introduced under his leadership”.
As the government considers its options, the workers made their position clear: “If extending his tenure ensures the completion of ongoing reforms and the consolidation of progress, then the government and relevant stakeholders owe it to the institution and Nigeria’s agricultural sector to support this continuity.”
“Dr. Gwaram has proven himself to be a reformer, a mentor, and a visionary leader,” they concluded. “As he completes his five-year tenure, the record of his achievements stands as a testament to his dedication to the agricultural sector and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”