From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated the transformative power of educational exchange programmes and international collaboration in driving human capital development and enhancing global competitiveness.
The Governor made this known on Thursday, January 9, 2026, while receiving the National President of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), Dr. Nosa Tukura, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Governor Mutfwang said international exposure remains critical to building leadership capacity and redefining public service, noting that his own participation in exchange programmes significantly shaped his political and leadership outlook.
“Those exchanges were quite profound. They marked a paradigm shift in my perception of leadership and public service,” he said.
He expressed concern over declining school enrolment in some parts of Plateau State, particularly in mining communities, warning that the trend poses long-term social and security risks.
According to him, the challenge affects both boys and girls, stressing that neglecting either group could result in broader societal dysfunction.
The Governor also drew attention to the rising exploitation of the girl-child, describing it as an emerging crisis requiring urgent action.
He disclosed that enforcement operations in December led to the rescue of several underage girls from hotels and brothels, some already exposed to substance abuse, highlighting the need for coordinated social intervention.
Emphasizing the importance of trauma management and psychosocial support, especially for vulnerable groups and internally displaced persons, Governor Mutfwang commended USGEAAN members for supporting trauma education initiatives in the state.
He further stressed the need to upgrade Plateau State’s education system to meet global standards, noting the growing gap between rapid technological advancement worldwide and local learning environments.
On international relations, the Governor described Nigeria’s stability as vital to global peace and development, adding that stronger Nigeria–United States collaboration would be mutually beneficial.
He noted that while Nigeria possesses immense human potential, effective leadership, proper structures, and strategic partnerships are required to unlock it.
Governor Mutfwang assured the delegation of his administration’s readiness to support partnerships aligned with Plateau State’s development priorities.
He congratulated Dr. Tukura on her emergence as National President of USGEAAN and pledged that the association’s proposal would be reviewed and forwarded to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for necessary action.
Earlier, Dr. Tukura announced that Plateau State had produced the first-ever National President of USGEAAN, describing the feat as historic and reflective of the intellectual capacity of Plateau citizens, as well as the administration’s commitment to women’s leadership and empowerment.
She explained that USGEAAN comprises over 14,000 Nigerian alumni from 28 United States Department of State-sponsored exchange programmes across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, united to strengthen U.S.–Nigeria relations and promote national development under the motto, “Unite, Empower, Transform Together.”
Dr. Tukura highlighted achievements of the Plateau State chapter, including hosting three U.S. Ambassadors in Jos, renovating public school facilities, supporting special needs education, and promoting cultural diplomacy through theatre and music.
She also revealed that Plateau State gained global recognition after the Girls Education Mission (GEM), in partnership with the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), emerged first among 84 teams worldwide at the 2025 Local Innovators Program.
Presenting a partnership proposal focused on STEM education, youth mentorship, and entrepreneurship through the American Space Jos facility, Dr. Tukura said the pilot programme would begin with 100 students—60 per cent of them girls—and scale up to over 1,000 beneficiaries within five years, positioning Plateau State as a model for educational innovation, gender equity, and international collaboration.