Plateau State University Seeks Collaboration with Local Governments
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU), Professor Shedrack Best, has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the university and the seventeen local governments of Plateau State.
Professor Best the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephriam Usman.
According to Best, the law and structure establishing the university make the local governments co-owners, and as such, they have a crucial role to play in its operations.
He highlighted several areas of collaboration, including staff training and development, and appealed for support in addressing the university’s challenges, such as inadequate water supply, lack of staff housing, and security concerns.
The university he stressed is facing significant challenges, including reliance on boreholes for water supply, lack of on-campus housing for students, and security risks due to its location.
Professor Best however appealed for intervention, including assistance with vehicles to ease staff and students movement.
The Commissioner and the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Plateau State chapter, Kemi Nshe, responded by acknowledging the university’s needs and promising to explore ways to provide additional support.
They both noted that the local governments have a representation on the university’s governing council, ensuring their involvement in its operations.
The Commissioner and the ALGON Chairman assured that they would discuss the university’s needs with the local government chairmen and explore ways to offer solutions, including seeking additional support from prominent politicians, philanthropists, and influential individuals.