By Hungah Peter (SIWES student, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro)
In response to the removal of Prof. Bernard Matur and four other educational heads in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has swiftly appointed Prof. Shedrack Best, a former Secretary to the State Government, as the new Vice-Chancellor of Plateau University in Bokkos.
The announcement, made within 24 hours of the decision, came through a statement dated February 7, 2024, signed by Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government.
Governor Mutfwang also appointed new heads for other state-owned tertiary institutions, including Dr. Lazarus Maigoro as the new Provost of the College of Education in Gindiri.
All appointments are effective immediately, with the appointees urged to focus on enhancing management-staff relationships and addressing financial matters to improve service delivery.
However, the Butura community, home to Plateau University, criticized the governor’s actions, labeling them illegal and detrimental to the university’s progress.
They called for the reinstatement of Prof. Matur, citing procedural irregularities and lack of substantiated grounds for his removal.
The community emphasized adherence to legal frameworks governing the removal of Vice-Chancellors, urging transparency and fairness in the process. Despite political affiliations, they underscored the importance of upholding institutional integrity and academic excellence.
