In a landmark move that is reshaping the trajectory of Plateau State’s education sector, Governor Caleb Mutfwang held an interactive session with officially absorbed long-serving ad-hoc staff across state-owned tertiary institutions, effectively ending years of uncertainty for hundreds of dedicated workers.
Speaking at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang recalled the irregularities his administration uncovered upon assumption of office.
“When we came into office, we discovered that some last-minute recruitments had excluded the ad-hoc staff who had sustained these institutions for years. We felt it was immoral, ungodly, and unjust. That is why we decided to suspend the entire exercise,” he said.
Many of the absorbed staff had served for decades on meagre stipends of between ₦6,000 and ₦15,000. Despite their unwavering commitment, they were repeatedly sidelined in previous employment exercises.
Moved by their plight, Mutfwang ordered a transparent, merit-driven review of the process, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to justice and fairness.
“Every Plateau person who is qualified and meets the criteria deserves an opportunity. No one should be left behind,” he emphasised.
The Governor outlined systematic steps taken to ensure integrity in the recruitment process: suspending compromised exercises, constituting independent governing councils to verify records, establishing a public Help Desk at the Ministry of Education for complaints and appeals, and adhering to strict merit-based appointment procedures.
“We wanted to ensure that our institutions have the right personnel to train the kind of students we want to see in the future,” he added.
Beyond rectifying past injustices, Mutfwang announced long-term initiatives to develop human capital.
“Those of you with Master’s degrees who wish to pursue PhDs will receive government support. This is about building a workforce that can compete nationally and produce world-class graduates,” he explained.
He also commended the beneficiaries’ resilience. “Some of you were receiving ₦6,000 for years; if you received ₦15,000, consider it a privilege. Today, your dedication is not only appreciated; it is being rewarded.”
The governor also highlighted the transformative progress recorded in the education sector since his administration assumed office. “When we came in, Polytechnic admissions were around 3,000. Today, they have surged to 9,000. The College of Education has secured approval for 19 new degree programmes. This is progress, and it demonstrates the renewed confidence in our institutions.”
He charged the newly confirmed staff to justify the trust reposed in them.
According to him, “This appointment is not a favour; it is a restoration of dignity and a responsibility to excel. We are building a state where hard work is rewarded, dreams can grow, and every citizen has a fair chance.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of the Green Gen Movement, Mr. Josiah Sati Yalwat, alongside representatives of the Special Adviser on Youths, institutional heads, and other stakeholders, hailed Governor Mutfwang as a leader who listens, shows compassion and acts decisively.
He recounted the long struggle for absorption: “We must acknowledge the efforts of the joint unions who continued to advocate for our confirmation. Our hope began to rise in August 2022 when the previous administration approved the absorption of casual staff, but that hope was short-lived. The process was hijacked, lists were doctored, outsiders smuggled in, and many of us who laboured for decades were sidelined.”
He added, “But God heard us and sent us a compassionate leader. The election of the People’s Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, marked a turning point. From the moment he assumed office, he listened, investigated, intervened, and corrected the injustice. Where we were ignored, he visited. Where we were segregated, he embraced us. Where we faced marginalisation, he restored us.”
State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Kachollom Gang, described the governor as a compassionate and transformative leader who, beyond confirming long-serving ad-hoc workers, has mandated a fresh recruitment drive across all tertiary institutions.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Relations, Titus Alams, and Special Adviser on Youth Development, Hitler Pwajok, also commended the Governor for bringing hope, stability, and dignity to the affected staff.
This milestone reaffirms Governor Mutfwang’s vision of education as the driving engine of development. With a clear roadmap and strong political will, Plateau State now stands poised for unprecedented progress.
