Bokkos (Plateau) – Prof. Attahiru Jega, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Plateau State University Bokkos, has pledged that the council and management would work hard to make the university one of the best in Nigeria.
Jega made the pledge on Thursday in Bokkos at the Founders Day celebration of the university.
“We will continue to do our best in compliance with the laws of the university and the laws of the land to make the university one of the best in the country in few years time,” he said.
Jega said he almost rejected the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the governing council when he was invited by Gov. Simon Lalong.
He said that the governor had supported and inspired him within the short period he had been the chairman of the governing council.
Jega, who was the former national chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed satisfaction that much had happened in the university in terms physical development, staff training amongst others.
He commended Gov. Simon Lalong, the visitor to the University for sticking to his promise to make the University a centre of excellence.
“On behalf of the governing council, management, staff and students of Plateau State University, we expressed our appreciation to the Visitor, for what he has done and what he is doing to build this university into a centre of excellence.
“He didn’t leave anyone in doubt of his desire to make this university a centre of excellence and for doing what it is to achieve that objective.
“He has kept the promise he made when he invited me to be the chairman of the council.
“What we see in this university is the beginning of the move towards the centre of excellence,” he added.
Jega declared that interference of visitors had stifled the growth of federal and state universities but “Lalong has given us the free hand to operate.
“I want to tell you that Gov. Lalong has not interfered in the university since we became members of the governing council.
“What he does is what every visitor should do; support the university, guide the university, fund the university, policy framework and the encouragement required to build a university,” he said.
Jega also commended the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Doknan Sheni for his commitment and dedication in the service of the university.
He said that the VC had done excellently well and urged him to continue to work hard.
In his remarks, Gov Lalong described the occasion as “a day of stock taking’’ to review the journey so far and resolve to take actions to get to the destination which we set our eyes on.’’
“Today is therefore instructively, a day for sharing in the dreams of the founders and being a part of the bricks that will build up the University.’’
He expressed appreciation to the former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, for being a leading light in the educational liberation of Plateau and for remaining the architect of the educational masterplan of Plateau.
He said that Sen. Joshua Dariye had also earned his place as a founder of the institution for being the architect of the first state owned university in Plateau.