Lalong Pledges Standardized, Stabilized Education, as Plateau Varsity Graduates 334

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Plateau Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong on Saturday pledged to standardize and stabilize education in the state for growth and development. The governor made the pledge in Bokkos on the occasion of the Maiden Convocation of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos.

He said, “The Change Mantra of All Progressives Congress (APC) places premium on education like the Late President Nelson Mandela said it is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the World.

“We had no option with this understanding than to purposefully swing into action to deliver change as promised, and to restore hope to the students who had suffered the psychological trauma of the closure of the State University, and the obvious threat of a shattered future. “The first set of students of PLASU were in an endless-idle stay at home, with their parents expecting curiously to see their children graduate.

“This situation, no doubt tested the offer of change we had made to our citizenry, and the burden of conscience compelled us to walk the talk, by setting the modalities in place, to see to it that the University was re-opened and repositioned to its right place in the academic community.”

While immensely thanking the National University Commission (NUC), Lalong said, “their clearance on the strength of our compliance, was the fore-runner to the goodwill we enjoyed in the TETFUND, under the Leadership of Prof. Elias Bogoro, another administrator and academic per excellence. “Today, I am not disappointed, because we have broken the jinx. And are standing here as witnesses, to the convocation of the 1st and 2nd sets of graduands of the University, twelve years after its establishment.

“With this convocation, we have charted a new course of history, and we are at the threshold of enthroning academic excellence, in an academic institution committed to the production of people, who in character and learning will commit themselves for excellent service to humanity, he said.”

He added that with the 17 programmes of the University now accredited, the commitment to sustain funding, and the assurance of institutional support for all linkages, as well as the promised non-interference in the administration of the University, “we are set for our meteoric rise to stardom, in the knowledge based environment of not only Nigeria but the world in general.

“I must pause to give credit to all whom credit is due; distinguished Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye must be acknowledged for giving wings to his dream of having a state owned university. “It was him, who shared the passion of our heroes past and living heroes, to midwife into existence the Plateau State University. History has reserved a place of honour for your toil, sacrifice and unquenchable quest, to carve a niche for Plateau in the map of States committed to academic excellence.

We can say with a strong conviction that God confirmed the words of Gen Yakubu Gowon at the foundation laying, with the strength and zeal he gave us to surmount all the hurdles leading to the stability we now have, and for which this convocation has attested to.” The Governor commended the management and staff of the University for their commitment and diligence in managing the affairs of the university within the meagre resources made available to it. A total of 334 students graduated, of which three made a First Class grade. The Governor promised to give the three automatic employment after their Youth Service.