VC wants local govts. to prioritise funding of Plateau Varsity

Shadrach Gaya Best, a professor and  Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos has called on Ephraim Usman, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to intervene in addressing the growing challenges facing the institution.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the ministry on Thursday in Jos.

Best highlighted several issues affecting the university, including insecurity, insufficient funding, inadequate transportation for staff, lack of potable water, accommodation shortages, and other infrastructural deficits.

“Accommodation remains a pressing issue at PLASU, with 95 per cent of the students living off-campus, often without adequate security”. He expressed particular concern about the ongoing insecurity, which led to the kidnapping of some students in December 2023, leaving the institution vulnerable.

TheVice-Chancellorr lamented that the lack of safe accommodation options for students had created an unsafe learning environment, compounding the university’s challenges.

On the financial front, the VC called attention to the inadequate funding provided to the university by local government councils. According to the university’s founding framework, funding is to be managed through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. However, the current budget allocation has proven insufficient, and the Vice Chancellor urged for an increase in funding to meet the institution’s growing needs.

In addition to financial support, Best raised concerns over the difficulties faced by indigent students who struggle to pay even the modest fees charged by the university. He appealed to the local government council chairmen to assist in supporting these students, emphasizing the importance of educational accessibility for all.

In response, the commissioner acknowledged the challenges faced by PLASU and agreed that the funding was insufficient. He assured that the government would review the financial allocation and pledged immediate action to address the transportation issues faced by university staff.

Usman further assured that Governor Caleb Mutfwang had directed that the university should not be neglected regarding support and infrastructure development.

Earlier in the meeting, Nicholas Kemi Nshe, the Chairman of Shendam Local Government Area and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Plateau state chapter, pledged immediate action to address the university’s water shortage. Shee also assured the university community of the collective commitment of the 17 council chairmen in providing other essential resources to support PLASU shortly.