GOVERNOR MUTFWANG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AT PLASU 8TH & 9TH COMBINED CONVOCATION… Gen. T. Y. Danjuma and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji conferred with Honorary Doctorates

GOVERNOR MUTFWANG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AT PLASU 8TH & 9TH COMBINED CONVOCATION

… Gen. T. Y. Danjuma and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji conferred with Honorary Doctorates

The Executive Governor of Plateau State and Visitor to Plateau State University (PLASU), His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to repositioning education as a powerful engine for economic growth, innovation, and social transformation in the state.

Governor Mutfwang made this declaration on Saturday, 14 February 2026, during the 8th and 9th Combined Convocation Ceremonies of Plateau State University, Bokkos, held at the institution’s main campus in Bokkos Local Government Area.

At the ceremony, the university conferred the prestigious Doctor of Business Administration and Ethics (Honoris Causa) on Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd.) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development, business leadership, philanthropy, and ethical governance.

Also honoured was Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji, who received the Doctor of Information Technology and Entrepreneurship (Honoris Causa) for his pioneering role in driving Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, revolutionising digital finance, and inspiring a new generation of young entrepreneurs.

Addressing the academic community, traditional rulers, parents, graduands, and development partners, Governor Mutfwang described the convocation as “a celebration of resilience, excellence, and the harvest of years of intellectual labour,” declaring that “the time is now for a new era of educational excellence in Plateau State.”

He congratulated the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Williams Barnabas Qurix, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, members of Council and Senate, staff and students, for what he termed “a visible institutional rebirth marked by stronger systems, renewed dynamism, and measurable progress.” He added that the transformation taking place at PLASU reflects deliberate leadership, strategic planning, and sustained government support.

The Governor disclosed that close to ₦1 billion has been invested by his administration in programme accreditation to ensure that all academic offerings meet national standards and international benchmarks.

“We resolved that our institutions must no longer function merely as degree-awarding factories, but as vibrant hubs of innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and global relevance,” he stated.

He further highlighted the establishment of the Faculty of Law, the take-off of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, describing them as critical steps toward building “a healthcare fortress for Plateau State and Nigeria.” According to him, these investments are designed to strengthen the health system by producing highly skilled professionals and advancing medical research.

In repositioning the university for global competitiveness, Governor Mutfwang announced the approval of the unbundling of Mass Communication into a Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, alongside the establishment of PLASU 103.3 FM. He explained that the initiative would bridge theory and practice, enabling students to actively engage in digital communication, broadcasting, and public discourse.

Addressing staff welfare, the Governor confirmed that all outstanding Earned Academic Allowances have been cleared, the new National Minimum Wage implemented, and the university’s monthly subvention increased to enhance staff motivation and institutional sustainability.

“No university can rise above the quality and commitment of its workforce,” he affirmed.

Charging the graduands, Governor Mutfwang urged them to be bold innovators and responsible global citizens.

“Go forth with courage. Be problem-solvers. Create opportunities and challenge limitations. You carry the seal of Plateau State University, let it open doors for you across Nigeria and the world,” he declared.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Williams Barnabas Qurix, commended the Governor for giving PLASU “first-class attention,” noting that his vision of making the university world-class is evident in policy direction and strategic investments. He also praised the Vice-Chancellor for entrenching transparency and discipline in the administration of the university.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, revealed that PLASU has expanded from three faculties in 2007 to eleven faculties and a School of Postgraduate Studies, with a current student population of over 16,000 drawn from across the country.

He disclosed that the combined convocation covered the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions, producing 2,485 Bachelor’s degree graduates, including 22 First-Class honours recipients. The ceremony also marked a historic milestone with the graduation of the university’s first 13 Postgraduate Diploma holders and 79 Master’s degree recipients across various disciplines.

In his response, General Danjuma (Rtd.) expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as especially meaningful because it came “from my own people.” He noted the growing global attention to insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and commended the university for acknowledging national realities with courage and responsibility.

He also praised the choice of his fellow awardee, describing Aboyeji as “the right choice” and a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s youthful entrepreneurial potential, stressing the need to mentor, finance, and properly guide young Nigerians.

Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs

To the Executive Governor of Plateau State

February 14, 2026