Plateau State Ministry of Agricuture and Rural Resources in conjunction with Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP) have officially launched 2024 agric. Input distribution of farm seeds to farming groups in the state aimed at generating bumper harvest this farming season across the Plateau state.
The benefitting groups were among others Rice farmers association, Wheat farmers association, Maize farmers association North central, Women in Agricuture, Youth for Agriculture in Plateau and others etc.
Speaking at the event which was launched at the Headquarters of PADP in Jos, Governor, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state in his address stressed the importance of collaboration for successful farming on the Plateau this cropping season.
According to him, agriculture has strategic importance to the state’s economy.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting farmers with high-quality seeds to ensure sustainable agricultural growth and food security.
Represented by the Commissioner for Land and Surveys, Barr.Peter Nyam Gai, at the official flag-off of the high-quality seed distribution program to farmers across the state, the governor highlighted the significance of the carefully selected seeds for the farming season.
‘These seeds have been carefully chosen to ensure successful farming.
He said With the right seeds, proper watering, and adequate resources, our farmers can expect a fruitful harvest,” he said
Gov mutfwang expressed solidarity with Plateau farmers, promising necessary support for a successful farming season.
He also commended the Commissioner for Agriculture for expanding participation in the agricultural sector, emphasizing its commercial potential and urging responsible use of government-provided inputs.
“The way Plateau is progressing in agriculture, it will be a misfortune to even seek a government job because agriculture is commercialized and it’s going to put money in our pockets. We have never had it this good on the Plateau. The time to do more is now.” He emphasized.
Earlier ,Commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Ishaku Bugama, lauded the state government’s dedication to advancing agriculture, highlighting its pivotal role in economic development.
“Agriculture and farmers are the fulcrum from which we can develop our economy and that is why we are also mainstreaming gender in our interventions, ensuring both men and women are actively involved in agriculture.” He said
Hon. Bugama also announced initiatives such as tilling 8,000 hectares in crisis-affected communities and training 340 youths on precision agriculture at CSS Farms to enhance agricultural activities and empower the youth.
Similarly ,Mr. Ishiaku Samaila Jilemsam, Programme Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP),on his part stressed the critical role of high-quality seeds for farmers, cautioning against declining yields due to traditional seed-saving methods.
He encouraged farmers to purchase professionally produced seeds and outlined collaborations with organizations like Rosemary Seeds and East West Seeds.
Jilemsam also highlighted the distribution of maize, rice, wheat seeds, and upcoming potato seeds, alongside efforts to promote urban agriculture.
“We want our farmers to get used to buying seeds, not setting aside seeds. There are professionals such as Seeds and East West Seeds dedicated to producing these seeds. Using those kinds of seeds will give you the benefits you want.”he noted.
Also, CEO of Rosemary Seed Company, Mr. Nathaniel Y. Longmut, emphasized the critical role of high-quality seeds in crop production, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to provide seeds to local farmers.
He commended the state government for procuring high-yielding seed varieties, aiming to boost local farmers’ production capacity and elevate the state’s food production output.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Resources in collaboration with the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP), saw participation from various stakeholders including Farmers Associations, security agencies, and financial institutions in the state.
In order to save the Plateau State Muslim in what could have been an embarrassment, the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has intervened to lay aside Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims the agonies from the shortfall in their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) arising from the vagaries of the foreign exchange rates.
Although NAHCON used N1,252.01 per dollar to calculate hajj fare (BTA inclusive) to give $500 as BTA to each pilgrim, the CBN released BTA at N1,530.86 per dollar, which gives each pilgrim $415 instead of $500.
This situation has thrown Plateau Muslim Pilgrims in to another round of confusion, but in order to ensure that each pilgrim gets $500 at the new exchange rate of N1,530.86 per dollar, the differential to be paid for the state’s 1232 pilgrims is N188,496,00.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in ensuring that the state pilgrims perform their hajj rites without stress, and make them comfortable during the exercise, intervened by paying the BTA differential of N188,496,00. for all the 1232 Plateau Pilgrims for 2024 hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, who confirmed the development to Newsmen on Friday from the Holy Land expressed appreciation to the Governor for the timely intervention and prayed for the continuous success of the “Time Is Now” administration, saying the intervention by Governor Mutfwang will enable them to collect $500 as agreed.
Hon. Dauda, who also confirmed that all the Plateau Muslim Pilgrims have been paid their BTA in addition to a befitting accommodation disclosed, that this is not the first intervention by Governor Mutfwang, in the course of the 2024 HAJJ Preparation and said the Mulim Umma in the state will forever remain greatful to the Governor for his unwavering Commitment to the welfare of citizens, Peace and Unity of the state with tremendous impact in all critical sectors.
Recall, that Governor Mutfwang, had earlier admonished the Plateau Muslim Pilgrims to be good ambassadors and to Pray for the Peace and Unity of Plateau and Nigeria during a reception to bid them farewell which he personally attended at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.
TEXT OF A BROADCAST BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, BARR. CALEB MANASSEH MUTFWANG TO MARK ONE YEAR IN OFFICE ON 29TH MAY 2024
My beloved citizens of Plateau State, Exactly one year ago, I stood before you, taking the oath of office as your chosen Governor, entrusted with the honor and responsibility of leading our beloved state.
On that occasion, I made a solemn pledge to work tirelessly, with God’s guidance, to deliver the qualitative leadership and governance that you deserve. Today, as we mark this significant milestone, I am deeply humbled by the sucesses we have recorded since embarked on this journey together.
Our first year in office was met with formidable challenges. From the persistent threat of insecurity in several of our Local Government Areas, to the legal battles questioning the legitimacy of our mandate, and the crippling effects of a prolonged civil service strike. Indeed, we faced trials on multiple fronts.
Moreover, the weight of a staggering debt burden loomed over us, while critical sectors such as healthcare and education cried out for urgent attention.
Yet, in the face of adversity, we refused to falter. Looking back, we must give glory to the Lord Almighty who has been our guide and our guard. Indeed, we can say if it had not been the Lord, we would not have reach here. Therfore, we say thank you Lord.
We engaged with key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security Chiefs, and National Emergency Management Agency, to confront the security challenges head-on.
In our commitment to enhancing the state’s security framework, the administration has reactivated the previously dormant state-owned security outfit—Operation Rainbow with the retraining of over 600 personnel, meticulously chosen across the state.
Such measures have rendered the state security outfit highly responsive and proactive in addressing community-level security challenges. Furthermore, the administration has unveiled the State Security and Information Center, where citizens can report security concerns via a toll-free line.
This center enables the government to receive timely information on pressing security issues from different communities, both urban and rural in order to ensure swift action. It is in the light of these measures that we have initiated the home return of our Internally Displaced Persons, ensuring they return to lands that await their toil and harvest without hitches.
The landmark Supreme Court judgment validating our mandate was not just a legal victory; it was a testament to the unwavering support and love you, the people, have shown for our administration. Furthermore, we have successfully cleared the backlog of salaries and allowances owed to our diligent civil servants, fostering a more harmonious relationship through the first ever constructive dialogue with labor leaders.
In the midst of these challenges, we have made significant strides across various sectors. Our commitment to transparent and accountable leadership has paved the way for tangible progress in infrastructure development, healthcare provision, educational reform, agricultural enhancement, and power generation.
We have thus, constructed and rehabilitated quite a number of road networks within Jos-Bukuru metropolis and beyong, transforming them into conduits of commerce, connectivity, and community cohesion.
Notable among them are the Farin Gada-Gada Biyu-Polo Roundabout-Police Headquarters road, Gold and Base Roundabout-Rayfield, JUTH-Laminga-Tina Junction-Legislative Quarters; Plateau Hospital Roundabout-Hill Station Roundabout-Central Bank Road; Maternity-Moonshine Hotel-Chobe Junction; Liberty Boulevard- Maternity-Masallacin Juma’a-Zololo Junction; Ahmadu Bello Way- Kashim Ibrahim-West of Mines; Dadin Kowa Road Network; Yelwa Club Junction-Rahol Kanang-Du Junction and Sabon Barki Road among several others.
In the same vein, work is ongoing on the 5.65km Utonkon-Nunku-Keana link road with the extension to the Akila Machunga road. The construction of the 9km span flyover bridge handled by PW Nig. Ltd will soon wear it asphalt coat thus bring to an end a tortuous wait of over 10 years.
The inauguration of the Tin City Metro initiative which introduces 15 modern MAN-Diesel buses and the expansion of the fleet of the Plateau Express Service represent our dedication to modernizing urban transportation for the benefit of all citizens.
In the same vein, the revitalization of the rail transport system in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation is part of the administration’s deliberate move to ease the transportation challenges of commuters.
Similarly, our focus on education has seen the revitalization of public schools and the reduction of tuition fees for state indigenes enrolled in tertiary institutions by 50%. We have paid the counterpart fund of the 3rd-4rd Quarters of 2021and the 1st -4th Quarters of 2022 leading to the release of the marching Grant from the Universal Basic Education Commission and awarded 148 contracts for the construction and renovation of classrooms as well as the Drilling of boreholes in various schools across the 17 Local Government Areas in the state.
Also, concerted efforts have been made to ensure the accreditation of courses to enable our institutions to confer recognized certificates. This initiative has encompassed a range of state-owned tertiary institutions, including Plateau State University, Bokkos, College of Health Technology, Pankshin, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Vom, College of Agriculture, Garkawa, and College of Education, Gindiri.
We have similarly facilitated the payment of IJMB Examination fees for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 for the College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Kurgwi, and settled the Law School fees for Plateau State students for 2023 and 2024. Additionally, there has been a substantial 300% increase in scholarship funding for Plateau State students pursuing higher education across Nigeria.
Through my visits to the United States and the United Kingdom, the state has secured several PhD and MSc Engineering scholarships from Liberty University, USA. We have also entered into partnerships with some foreign Universities where our lecturers, particularly from the Plateau State University, Bokkos can go for their PhD programs.
In agriculture, we have procured over 200 trucks of fertilizers for our farmers while efforts are on to purchase more. We have equally trained 340 vibrant youths and equipped them with modern agricultural techniques. The initiative was to launch the state into commercial agriculture and ensure efficient contribution to national food security.
We have mapped out plans to develop 4,000 hectares of land in each of the five principal crop zones of the state. These zones are designated for rice cultivation in Wase, Shendam, Langtang North, Langtang South, and Qua’an Pan LGAs; maize in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi LGAs; wheat in Bassa and Jos North LGAs; potatoes in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs; and vegetables in Jos North, Jos South, and Riyom Local Government Areas respectively.
Additionally, our collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has bolstered our efforts to strengthen the agricultural value chains of maize, rice, and wheat. Our commitment to open the state for industrialization is further evidenced by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Shimankar Valley Limited for the construction of over 300 Megawatts power plants in selected communities in the state.
We have equally signed into law the bill for the establishment of Plateau State Energy Corporation and Plateau state electricity market. These laws are designed to facilitate the generation of adequate electricity, including renewable energy sources to meet the high need for the industrialization in our dear state and to sell to neighboring states for revenue generation.
The health sector under my watch has received a lot of attention. We have revitalized the previously dormant Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency (PS-DMCMA). This central body is now responsible for the procurement, storage, distribution, and oversight of drugs and medical supplies in state-run hospitals and clinics, ensuring that essential medications are available, accessible, and affordable.
At the Plateau State Specialist hospital, we have completed the construction of an abandoned Laboratory Complex and awarded a contract to equip the Laboratory with modern state-of –the arts equipment. We have also completed the construction of an abandoned Administrative building and emergency Paediatric unit. These among other giant strides are in fulfilment of our promises to make Plateau state a medical tourism destination.
Also, since we came into office, we have extended support to MDAs for accessing Government Cash Counterpart Contributions (GCCC) to facilitate the implementation of various programs and projects.
In the Civil Service, we are steadfast in our mission to revitalize the system to achieve exemplary service delivery. Through constructive dialogue with labor unions, we have successfully resolved prolonged strikes, setting the stage for enhanced productivity and progress. While the timely payment of salaries is a fundamental responsibility rather than an achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of our workers. Efforts to address outstanding gratuities, death benefits, and pension backlogs dating back to 1986 commenced in December 2023. We pledge to continue these endeavors within the scope of our available resources.
Our investment in the professional growth of our public servants through extensive training programs is a testament to our aspiration to cultivate a workforce that excels both nationally and internationally. In recognition of the invaluable contributions of our workers, we have implemented hazard allowances for healthcare professionals, adjusted salaries, facilitated promotions, and maintained transparent communication with union representatives across the state and at the Local Government level.
Also, in anticipation of the adjustment in the national minimum wage, we proactively provided a monthly fuel subsidy of N12,000 to each state employee from September 2023 to March 2024. Additionally, we have conducted an upward review of repatriation allowances, burial expenses, pensions, and have implemented promotions, all aimed at motivating and appreciating our dedicated workforce.
As we pause to reflect on the journey thus far, let us remain united in our resolve to build a better, more prosperous Plateau. Together, we will restore our state to its rightful place of prominence and ensure a future filled with opportunities for all.
I extend my deepest gratitude to you, the people of Plateau State, for your unwavering support and trust in our vision. I particularly want to thank our traders for their cooperation with the state government in our determination to restructure some of our markets to enhance their cleanliness and facilitate smoother business operations and vehicular traffic.
This initiative was undertaken for the collective safety of all, without targeting any specific individuals and groups. Let me once again thank you for believing in us, we will never take your unwavering support for granted. The time has come and the Time Is Now to set aside our ethnic and religious differences and bond together as a people with one destiny in building a peaceful and harmonious state for all. May God continue to bless Plateau State, and may He guide us as we strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Following the the stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North Central region which took place in Lafiya Nasarawa State last week, the North Central APC Forum has commended the stakeholders for not passing any form of vote-of-confidence on the embattled National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje.
The meeting which was called to address the ongoing crisis within the party was well attended by the likes of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) governors and past governors alike, Senators, and other critical stakeholders of the party.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital on the outcome of the meeting, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said the leaders from the region were aware of their collective struggle of reclaiming the National Chairmanship position of the party Ganduje is occupying, and so they didn’t disappoint by not passing vote of confidence on him.
He said that position is for the North Central region and not the North West region Ganduje hails from, considering the party arrangements.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election called on Ganduje to stop lobbying some of the party stakeholders and members from the region and other parts of the country to let him remain in the position.
He said they will not trade that National Chairmanship position for Ganduje or any other person from another region, pointing out that even his (Ganduje’s) attendance of the North Central APC stakeholders meeting did not and cannot change their resolve to edge him out of that position for someone from their region to rightfully occupy the position.
He stressed that Ganduje has loads of issues on his hand, right from an APC Kano ward where he hails from which suspended him to the court suits from several quarters and protests against him.
According to Zazzaga, Ganduje’s continuous remaining in that office will only destroy the APC and cause friction among the members, apart from the legal liabilities he will incur for the party and thereby give the opponents advantage over the APC.
Furthermore, he revealed that they know that there are saboteurs among them from the North Central working against their efforts to reclaim the National Chairmanship position, but that they already know them and all their moves which will surely fail.
He thanked all the party leaders, governors, legislators and other chieftains who are strongly supporting their common course, saying that they will surely be victorious at last.
The chairman stated also that the hearing of the suit filed against Ganduje by the North Central APC Forum is coming up on 30th of this May, and called on all the people of the region and stakeholders to pray and support the forum so that they achieve success.
The Executives of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Plateau State and her leaders across the State and beyond have heartily congratulated and rejoiced with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on his First Year Anniversary in office as the Executive Governor of Plateau State.
In a statement in Jos and made available to Kwararafa Reporters by the State PFN Chairman Rev Dunka Gomwalk said Without doubt, the occasion calls for thanksgiving.
“As we reflect on the journey so far since your assumption of the saddle of leadership, it is no doubt that the people of Plateau have witnessed the dawn of a new day and a new season; a season of hope restored and an assured future.” Gomwalk stressed
According to Plateau PFN Chairman, Barr Mutfwang accomplishments within the short period of his leadership so far, is not only mind blowing, but evidence that he is in indeed really God sent.
“As you mark this First Year Anniversary and begin the transition to the subsequent years in office, we believe that it would be too difficult to keep up with the legacy you are going to leave behind for the future generations of this State both in physical infrastructure and human capital development.”
Rev. Gomwalk
He assured that PFN and her leadership on the Plateau will continue to uphold you in prayer and avail herself for spiritual and moral support.
The Executives of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Plateau State Chapter and all her Leaders across the State and beyond wish to heartily extend her congratulations to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb M. Mutfwang on the occasion of your First Year Anniversary in office.
Without a doubt, this occasion calls for thanksgiving and deep appreciation to God for his marvelous acts in the life of his people. As we reflect on the journey so far since your assumption of the saddle of Leadership, it is no doubt that the people of Plateau have witnessed a new dawn and a new season; a season of hope restored and an assured future. Your accomplishments within this short interval of time have not only been mind blowing but are difficult to keep up with. This is evidence indeed that you are God sent.
As you mark this First Year Anniversary and begin the transition into the subsequent years in office, it is our belief that the legacy you are going to leave behind for the future generations of Plateau both in physical and human capital development will be difficult to outclass.
Please be rest assured that PFN and her leadership on the Plateau will continue to uphold you in prayer and render the necessary support for your leadership.
The Commandant General (CG), of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi has expressed his commitment towards ending the incessant school kidnapping in the country.
He said the reoccurring embarrassment which has increased the number of out of school children cannot be allowed to continue, else the future of the country will look bleak.
He added that no country makes significant progress without educating the younger generation.
Represented at the event by the former National President, Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (YOWICAN) and Co-Chairman of Interfaith Coalition Conference, Engr. Daniel Kadzai, in an interdenominational gathering to pray for the country in Jos the Plateau State capital, Kadzai said the NSCDC CG amongst many strategic establishments to improve the country’s security has also given birth to a Female Squad to address school kidnappings.
“He has arrested Railway vandals, foiled 48 kidnap attempts of School Students and Teachers, created the Civil Defence Academy in Jos, Plateau State, established the NSCDC Arms Squad Training School at Ugede Development Area, Nasarawa State”.
“He has also domesticated the NSCDC Female Squad to aid the ugly kidnapping and other crimes in schools and Introduction of career progression courses for personnel of the NSCDC. Increase in the welfare packages of Corps’ personnel, massive acquisition of arms for NSCDC operational use”, Kadzai said.
While charging the gathering to channel their prayers towards improved security, especially in the northern part of the country, Kadzai noted that any society without adequate security will scare foreign investors thereby lacking economic progress.
He told the Christian body to focus their spiritual battle specifically to the NSCDC Commandant General, as his office is saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding civilians who are the targets of terrorists.
According to him: “CG Audi has ushered in a new era of progress and transformation. Since assuming office as the 3rd substantive Commandant General, Audi has driven the NSCDC to remarkable achievements, significantly enhancing its capabilities and reputation.
“The transformational drive that the NSCDC boss has brought into the security outfit is equal to none in the history of the establishment.
He has improved staff welfare, settlement of the backlog of promotions and corresponding arrears of staff, and the review of staff Insurance Scheme.
“Others are training and retraining of officers and men, massive arrests and prosecution of thousands of suspects who allegedly engaged in Crude oil theft and vandalism of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region and other regions of the country.
“It’s on record that the moral boost and encouragement he dishes out makes the Delta State Command of the Corps to go all out in their synergy with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), to arrest vessels involved in illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region thus boosting oil production per day as well as smashing criminal elements that targets Critical National Assets”.
“Construction of official and residential buildings within and outside the NSCDC Headquarters and procurement of operational and office equipment and among others.
“He led the NSCDC and the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in curtailing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
“Beyond this collaboration, it is on record that the NSCDC has made several personal arrests of crude oil theft in the Warri creeks and other parts of the Niger Delta”, he said.
The Christian Scribe-man listed other achievements of the CG as: Launch of the NSCDC Special Mines Marshal to combat illegal mining, Introduction of career progression courses for personnel, Purchase of mini fire-fighting tankers for disaster management, Procurement of Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) for crime-fighting, Construction of official and residential buildings for the Corps, Recovery of assets worth over 5 billion Naira, Pioneering the establishment of the National Safe Schools Coordination Centre that houses other security agencies for effective monitoring of vulnerable schools in the country, Creation of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) and Effective collaboration with other security agencies and Procurement of over 150 operational vehicles, amongst others.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is sensitising secondary school students in Plateau on consumer rights and enforcement.
The FCCPC Consumer and Business Education Officer, Mrs Bridget Etim said the initiative was to educate them on their rights and responsibilities as consumers of products and services.
Etim, who stated this on Wednesday in Jos during a sensitisation visit to schools, said that many Nigerians were unaware of their rights as consumers.
The consumer and business education officer emphasised that rather than insisting on their rights as enshrined in FCCPC Law, many consumers prefer to grumble without definite action.
She explained that the commission is an agency of the Federal Government that was established by FCCPC Act of 2018.
According to her, the core mandate of the commission is to promote fair business practices and safeguard consumer interests.
Etim added that FCCPC works in synergy with sector regulators like the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration, and Control (NAFDAC), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) among others.
The Plateau state State University Academic Staff Union ( PLASU) has accused the federal government of falling to sign and implement Briggs renegotiated agreement between it and ASUU.
PLASU Chairman Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and Secretary Dr Lomka Iliya Kopdiya in a statement in Jos on Friday which was made available to Kwararafa Reporters also blamed the failure to release the N170 billion approved in 2023 for the revitalization of public universities is another major issue affecting the development of public Universities in Nigeria.
They stressed that these unfortunate actions compounded by the poor socioeconomic reality has created the problem of brain drain.
“Most of the highly esteemed intellectuals that should be on ground to mentor the upcoming scholars are leaving in search of better remuneration outside the country” they lamented.
They called on both federal and state governments to go beyond rhetoric and expressions of good intentions to take decisive actions to avert the looming strike action of Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU).
They warned that academic staff of Plateau state University would join Nation Wide strike action of ASUU if the issues destroying public Universities are not addressed.
“Most of the highly esteemed intellectuals that should be on ground to mentor the upcoming scholars are leaving in search of better remuneration outside the country” they lamented.
They called on both federal and state governments to go beyond rhetoric and expressions of good intentions to take decisive actions to avert the looming strike action.
The Plateau state State University Academic Staff Union ( PLASU) has accused the federal government of falling to sign and implement Briggs renegotiated agreement between it and ASUU.
PLASU Chairman Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and Secretary Dr Lomka Iliya Kopdiya in a statement in Jos on Friday which was made available to Kwararafa Reporters also blamed the failure to release the N170 billion approved in 2023 for the revitalization of public universities is another major issue affecting the development of public Universities in Nigeria.
They stressed that these unfortunate actions compounded by the poor socioeconomic reality has created the problem of brain drain.
” Most of the highly esteemed intellectuals that should be on ground to mentor the upcoming scholars are leaving in search of better remuneration outside the country” they lamented.
They called on both federal and state governments to go beyond rhetoric and expressions of good intentions to take decisive actions to avert the looming strike action of Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU).
They warned that academic staff of Plateau state University would join Nation Wide strike action of ASUU if the issues destroying public Universities are not addressed.
“Most of the highly esteemed intellectuals that should be on ground to mentor the upcoming scholars are leaving in search of better remuneration outside the country” they lamented.
They called on both federal and state governments to go beyond rhetoric and expressions of good intentions to take decisive actions to avert the looming strike action.
Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU) Plateau state University Branch has expressed it’s readiness to join Nation Wide action if the issues destroying public Universities are not addressed.
The union in a statement issued by its Chairman Dr Monday Hassan and Secretary Dr Lomka Iliya Kopdiya to newsmen in Jos on Thursday said their members are well Mobilised to support the effort that would mandate the federal and state governments to take seriously the responsibility of ensuring quality university education. According to the statement, the union in strong terms the failure of government to sign and implement the Nimi Briggs renegotiated agreement.
The Plateau state University Academic Union said the failure the N170 billion approved in 2023 for the revitalization of public universities is another major issue, stressing that these unfortunate actions compounded by the poor socioeconomic reality has created the problem of brain drain.
“Most of the highly esteemed intellectuals that should be on ground to mentor the upcoming scholars are leaving in search of better remuneration outside the country” they lamented.
They said members at the branch of Plateau State University are calling on both federal and state governments to go beyond rhetoric and expressions of good intentions to take decisive actions to avert the looming strike action.
Kwararafa Reporters 