In a significant development for Plateau State's education sector, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has officially absorbed hundreds of long-serving ad-hoc staff across state-owned tertiary institutions, bringing an end to years of employment uncertainty for dedicated workers who had sustained these institutions with minimal compensation.
Decades of Service Finally Recognized
During an interactive session held at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang revealed the irregularities his administration discovered upon assuming office. Many of the absorbed staff had served for decades on meagre stipends ranging between ₦6,000 and ₦15,000, yet were repeatedly excluded from previous employment exercises despite their unwavering commitment to these educational institutions.
The Governor described the previous exclusion of these long-serving staff as "immoral, ungodly, and unjust," explaining that this discovery prompted his administration to suspend the entire recruitment exercise that had been conducted by the previous government. He emphasized that the decision to suspend the process was necessary to correct fundamental injustices in the system.
Transparent Reform Process Implemented
Governor Mutfwang outlined the systematic steps taken to ensure integrity in the recruitment process, which included:
- Suspending the compromised employment exercises
- Constituting independent governing councils to verify records
- Establishing a public Help Desk at the Ministry of Education for complaints and appeals
- Adhering to strict merit-based appointment procedures
The Governor stressed that every qualified Plateau citizen who meets the criteria deserves an opportunity, reinforcing his administration's commitment to justice and fairness in public service employment. He added that the reforms were designed to ensure that educational institutions have the right personnel to train the quality of students needed for the future.
Long-term Educational Development Initiatives
Beyond rectifying past employment injustices, Governor Mutfwang announced comprehensive long-term initiatives to develop human capital within the state's education sector. Staff with Master's degrees who wish to pursue PhDs will receive government support as part of building a workforce that can compete nationally and produce world-class graduates.
The Governor also highlighted the transformative progress recorded in Plateau State's education sector since his administration assumed office. Polytechnic admissions have surged from around 3,000 to 9,000 students, while the College of Education has secured approval for 19 new degree programmes, demonstrating renewed confidence in the state's educational institutions.
He commended the beneficiaries' resilience, noting that some staff received as little as ₦6,000 for years of service, while those receiving ₦15,000 should have considered it a privilege. "Today, your dedication is not only appreciated; it is being rewarded," Mutfwang stated.
Beneficiaries Express Relief and Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the absorbed staff, Mr. Josiah Sati Yalwat, Chairman of the Green Gen Movement, hailed Governor Mutfwang as a compassionate leader who listens and acts decisively. He recounted the long struggle for absorption, noting that hope had briefly risen in August 2022 when the previous administration approved the absorption of casual staff, but the process was hijacked, lists were doctored, and outsiders were smuggled in while genuine long-serving staff were sidelined.
"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," Yalwat expressed. He praised the Governor for investigating, intervening, and correcting the injustice where previous administrations had failed the dedicated workers.
State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Kachollom Gang, described the governor as a transformative leader who has not only confirmed long-serving ad-hoc workers but has also mandated a fresh recruitment drive across all tertiary institutions in Plateau State.
Special Advisers to the Governor on Labour Relations and Youth Development, Titus Alams and Hitler Pwajok respectively, also commended the Governor for bringing hope, stability, and dignity to the affected staff members who had endured years of uncertainty and marginalization.
This milestone achievement reaffirms Governor Mutfwang's vision of education as the driving engine of development in Plateau State. With a clear roadmap and strong political will, the state now stands poised for unprecedented progress in its educational sector and human capital development.
