September 8, 2026
By Samson Moses, Jalingo
The Coalition of Taraba Academics for Continuity and Development has pledged to deploy its intellectual capacity, professional expertise and networks towards promoting good governance, peace and sustainable development in Taraba State and Nigeria.
The pledge was made in Jalingo during the inauguration of the coalition’s newly elected executives at the Conference Hall of Yukuben Hotel. The inauguration was conducted by the coalition’s Legal Adviser, Dr Saredau Philemon, Esq.
Those inaugurated include Professor David A. Agbu, Esq., of the Faculty of Law, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, as National President; Professor Mahmood Hamid Umar, Vice President; Dr Isa Mohammed Yola, Secretary; Dr Naomi Henry Joro, Assistant Secretary; and Dr Shamaki Mohammed, Financial Secretary.
Others are Professor Sherrif Sangari Jen, Organising Secretary; Dr Fatima D. Vakkai, Treasurer; Dr Livinus Jesse Ayih, Provost; Dr Stephen Victor Gana, Interim Publicity Secretary; Dr Saredau Philemon, Legal Adviser; Professor Elijah Akondo, Head of Research and Policy Coordinator; and Dr Magdalene Hikon, Women Leader.
In his inaugural address, Agbu urged members to place the collective interest above personal differences, stressing that academics had a special responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the stability, progress and development of society.
He called on members to rely on facts, reasoned arguments and professional knowledge in their public engagements, while rejecting personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation and other forms of communication capable of deepening divisions.
Agbu further charged members to mobilise their colleagues, friends and communities around continuity, development, peace, good governance and democratic participation, saying unity would strengthen the coalition’s voice and enable it to make a greater impact on the future of Taraba State and Nigeria.
