By Faith Chondol
Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, is witnessing remarkable growth and renewed competitiveness, a development credited to the visionary leadership and commitment of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Shedrack Best, made this known during a recent media briefing, where he commended the Governor for his strategic investments and unwavering support toward repositioning PLASU as a model institution.
Professor Best stated that Governor Mutfwang’s greatest contribution lies in stabilizing the university’s operations and ensuring that its academic calendar now runs “smoothly and seamlessly.” He attributed this progress to the Governor’s intervention in areas such as industrial harmony, prompt salary payments, full accreditation, increased subvention, and expansion of academic programs.
“The Governor’s provision of resources has effectively addressed the demands of university unions such as ASUU, NASU, and SSANU, bringing about a lasting calm,” Professor Best said. “Funds have been released to pay the minimum wage, clear salary arrears, and settle earned allowances for eligible staff.”
He noted that staff salaries are now paid regularly on the 25th of every month, describing it as a mark of consistency and financial discipline under the current administration.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that the university’s monthly subvention has significantly increased — from ₦80 million to ₦180 million, and currently ₦250 million — a development that has greatly strengthened the institution’s financial stability.
Furthermore, Governor Mutfwang has approved the recruitment of 94 new staff members to support the university’s expanding academic programs, alongside the employment of additional security personnel to improve campus safety.
On infrastructure, Professor Best said the university is on track to becoming one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive institutions, with a goal of offering all major academic programs found in any Nigerian university within the next two years.
“For two consecutive years, the Governor’s financial support has enabled all PLASU programs to secure full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC),” he added.
PLASU is currently expanding its curriculum with new programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, and Statistics, while plans are underway to introduce Radiology, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Quantity Surveying. The university is also set to establish a College of Communication offering degrees in Journalism, Broadcasting, and Development Communication.
A significant milestone toward launching the medical program was achieved recently with the handover of a site for the construction of an Anatomy Dissection Laboratory for the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
Professor Best emphasized that PLASU’s admission process now upholds merit and transparency, especially in competitive programs such as Law and Medicine, attracting applicants from 35 out of Nigeria’s 36 states.
He further noted that the university’s physical landscape is transforming rapidly, with the construction of new hostel facilities, faculty buildings, and other long-term infrastructure projects.
In line with Governor Mutfwang’s environmental and agricultural drive, PLASU has embarked on a tree-planting campaign to beautify the campus and launched several agricultural projects — including maize and potato cultivation, a poultry and alfalfa farm supported by Alt Bank, and an orchard with bananas, oranges, and coffee plants.
“We want to encourage young people from Plateau and across Nigeria — PLASU is home for everyone. There is no discrimination here. If you aspire to learn, we are here to serve you,” Professor Best concluded.
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