Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, on Friday, inaugurated some newly completed projects at the state-owned university in Bokkos as part of activities for the sixth and seventh combined Convocation ceremonies of the institution.
The governor described the institution as most cherished and that the new projects would enhance teaching and learning.
”It is the determination of this government to continue to deploy available resources for the development of both the physical infrastructure and manpower to promote effective teaching, learning and research in this university.
”Because of the efforts we have put in so far and with the support of Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the private sector, the university campus has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation in recent times
”This has led to establishment of additional four new faculties of Law, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Education as well as the School of Post Graduate Studies,” he said.
Some of the projects inaugurated by the governor included the Post Graduate School, the University Rock Garden named after him, a block of offices for the Advancement and Linkages department, and the Faculty of Agriculture.
Lalong advised the management and staff of the university to regularly conduct research, particularly one that would address current and emerging challenges confronting the state and nation in general.
He said Plateau had a unique weather and climate that supported peculiar agriculture, tourism, mining, sports, investment, and many other endeavors that could yield jobs and income for its teeming youth.
Lalong advised the graduands to look beyond certificates and add value to society by a practical demonstration of knowledge acquired, adding that the state and nation were in dire need of solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.
Earlier, Prof. Yohanna Izam, the Vice Chancellor of the University, thanked the governor for the support and revamping the institution, and for putting it on strong footing, making it one of the best in the country, particularly among its peers.
He stated that the support of the governor to the university led to the full accreditation of all its courses as well as the introduction of new ones.
The vice chancellor said while a lot had been achieved, there is still more need to do more in addressing the challenges of water, power, security and fencing, hostels, and staff quarters in the university.
Izam said that 1,356 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines, having fulfilled all the requirements for the award and being found to be of good character.
