Governor Mutfwang Approves Compensation for Years of Underpayment
A wave of relief and celebration swept through Plateau State’s tertiary education sector on Thursday as Governor Caleb Mutfwang formally absorbed long-serving ad-hoc staff of the College of Education and Plateau State Polytechnic into the state workforce. Many of the beneficiaries had worked for between five and 20 years on monthly stipends as low as ₦6,000.
The historic meeting, held at Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House, Little Rayfield, marked the official confirmation of their employment and a directive from the Governor to compensate them for years of underpayment while sustaining the institutions.
“It was ungodly and unjust,” Mutfwang said, condemning decades of exploitation.
Addressing the emotional gathering, the Governor expressed concern for workers who had labored without permanent appointments or fair remuneration.
“When we discovered that none of you had been given permanent appointments, we felt it was wicked and ungodly. That is why we suspended the earlier recruitment exercise—to correct these injustices,” he stated.
Following a thorough audit of qualifications and complaints, facilitated by a dedicated help desk at the Ministry of Education, qualified workers were finally absorbed. Governor Mutfwang also announced approved financial compensation for their years of service.
“Even the years of collecting ₦6,000 and ₦15,000 should not only be appreciated but compensated. I have approved funds that will be communicated to you properly,” he said.
Encouraging staff to pursue further education and professional development, the Governor promised incentives for those seeking to upgrade their qualifications. He also highlighted significant progress since his administration took office, including a jump in Polytechnic admissions from about 3,000 to 9,000 students and the approval of 19 new degree programs at the College of Education.
“We are committed to ensuring our schools have the staff needed to produce graduates Plateau will be proud of,” Mutfwang added.
Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, praised the Governor’s focus on justice for the ad-hoc staff, describing him as a leader with genuine compassion.
“He repeatedly asked: What of the ad-hoc staff? Are they qualified? Why were they not taken? His concern shows he is a father indeed,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the absorbed workers, Mr. Josiah Sati recounted decades of suffering and neglect.
“For 22 years we cried. No one listened. We don’t remember the last time we celebrated Christmas. Our families suffered. But today, sir, God has used you for us,” he said, overcome with emotion.
Sati described the Governor as the only leader to acknowledge their plight in over two decades:
“What 22 governments could not do, you have done. For this reason, we are writing your name in gold.”
Special Advisers on Youth Matters and Labour, Hon. Hitler Pwajok and Titus Alams, urged the newly absorbed staff to honor the government’s gesture through dedication and punctuality.
“The Governor has prioritized education because it is the foundation of development. Don’t betray the trust placed in you,” Alams said.
The event ended in jubilation, with staff expressing renewed hope and pledging loyalty to the administration. With permanent employment and approved compensation, Plateau’s tertiary institutions are now poised for stability and improved academic performance, correcting decades of systemic neglect.
