By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the sack of the Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University, Professor Bernard Matau and four other heads of tertiary institutions in the state.
Matau was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the state university while serving as the state Commissioner for Higher Education in the last administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong.
It was learnt that the Vice Chancellor whose tenure is yet to elapse was removed from office alongside four other heads of tertiary institutions in the state including the Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin; Provost, College of Health Technology, Zawan as well as the Provost, College of Education, Gindiri.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, on Tuesday, 6, February, 2024.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau state, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Plateau State University, Bokkos with immediate effect. Similarly, the governor has also approved the removal of the following heads of tertiary institutions: Plateau State University, Bokkos; Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; College of Education, Gindiri; College of Health Technology, Zawan and College of Health Technology, Pankshin”.
The statement which offered no reason for their removal said all affected heads should take note and hand over any government property in their possession to the next most senior officers in the institutions immediately.
“The governor has also approved the cancellation of recruitment earlier conducted by tertiary institutions in 2022 and early 2023 that have been under suspension.
“Consequently, applications for an all-inclusive recruitment for all tertiary institutions would be advertised,” Jatau said in the statement without giving reasons for their sack.
The statement also quoted the governor as thanking the chairman and members of the Governing Council for the services rendered in the state and wished them success in their future endeavours.
