The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has
designated Professor Shedrack Best, a former Secretary to the State Government,
as the new Vice Chancellor of the state university situated in the Bokkos Local
Government Area.
This decision followed
the dismissal of the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Bernard Matur, along
with four other heads of state-owned tertiary institutions by the governor.
The appointment was
formally conveyed through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State
Government, Samuel Jatau, dated February 7, 2024.
Additionally, the
governor has appointed new heads for other state-owned tertiary institutions,
including the College of Education, Gindiri, where Dr. Lazarus Maigoro, a
former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the University
of Jos, will assume the role of Provost.
The statement reads,
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor Caleb Mutfwang has approved the
appointment of the following heads of tertiary institutions in the state:
Professor Shedrack, Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University, Bokkos; Dr.
Clement Chairman, Rector, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; Associate
Professor Lazarus Maigoro, Provost, College of Education, Gindiri; Dr. Jonathan
Bulus, Provost, College of Health Technology, Zawan; and Dr. Markus Avong,
Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin.”
All appointments are
effective immediately, as stipulated in the statement.
The newly appointed
officials have been charged with evaluating the management-staff relationship
and the financial standing of their respective institutions to enhance service
delivery.
However, the Butura
host community of the Plateau State University has expressed strong disapproval
of the governor’s decision to remove Prof. Matur as the former VC, describing
it as illegal and detrimental to the university’s growth.
In a joint statement
by Butura Youth President, Marshal Sule, and Secretary, Tabai Kawai, the
community has called for the immediate reinstatement of Prof. Matur, citing the
absence of adherence to due process in his removal.
“For the sake of
clarity and adherence to due process, it is imperative to reference the legal
framework governing the removal of a Vice-Chancellor as stipulated in Section
3(8)-(11) of the Principal Act, duly amended. This provision vests the
authority to remove the Vice-Chancellor in the Governing Council, subject to
specific grounds such as gross misconduct or incapacity to fulfill the duties
of the office.
“Importantly, the
process outlined mandates a fair and transparent procedure, including the
constitution of a Joint Committee of Council and Senate to investigate
allegations and provide a platform for the accused to defend themselves. Any
decision reached by the Council is subject to appeal to the Visitor, ensuring
accountability and safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
“None of these
procedures were followed in removing Professor Matur as Vice Chancellor, and no
reason was given except for what we have independently gathered to be connected
to political differences,” the statement read.
It added that “this is
in spite of the fact that the Butura nation overwhelmingly voted for the PDP in
the elections that brought Barrister Mutfwang to power. In addition, the
University is purely an academic institution governed by laws and professional
experience not sentiments. “After all, Professor Matur’s capacity in steering
the University towards academic excellence and institutional growth, including
fostering a harmonious relationship with the host community is not in doubt.”
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