By Christiana Lot in Jos
The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has designated Professor Shedrack Best, a former Secretary to the State Government, as the new Vice Chancellor of the state university situated in the Bokkos Local Government Area.
This decision followed the dismissal of the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Bernard Matur, along with four other heads of state-owned tertiary institutions by the governor.
The appointment was formally conveyed through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, dated February 7, 2024.
Additionally, the governor has appointed new heads for other state-owned tertiary institutions, including the College of Education, Gindiri, where Dr. Lazarus Maigoro, a former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the University of Jos, will assume the role of Provost.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, the Executive Governor Caleb Mutfwang has approved the appointment of the following heads of tertiary institutions in the state: Professor Shedrack, Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University, Bokkos; Dr. Clement Chairman, Rector, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; Associate Professor Lazarus Maigoro, Provost, College of Education, Gindiri; Dr. Jonathan Bulus, Provost, College of Health Technology, Zawan; and Dr. Markus Avong, Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin.”
All appointments are effective immediately, as stipulated in the statement.
The newly appointed officials have been charged with evaluating the management-staff relationship and the financial standing of their respective institutions to enhance service delivery.
However, the Butura host community of the Plateau State University has expressed strong disapproval of the governor’s decision to remove Prof. Matur as the former VC, describing it as illegal and detrimental to the university’s growth.
In a joint statement by Butura Youth President, Marshal Sule, and Secretary, Tabai Kawai, the community has called for the immediate reinstatement of Prof. Matur, citing the absence of adherence to due process in his removal.
“For the sake of clarity and adherence to due process, it is imperative to reference the legal framework governing the removal of a Vice-Chancellor as stipulated in Section 3(8)-(11) of the Principal Act, duly amended. This provision vests the authority to remove the Vice-Chancellor in the Governing Council, subject to specific grounds such as gross misconduct or incapacity to fulfill the duties of the office.
“Importantly, the process outlined mandates a fair and transparent procedure, including the constitution of a Joint Committee of Council and Senate to investigate allegations and provide a platform for the accused to defend themselves. Any decision reached by the Council is subject to appeal to the Visitor, ensuring accountability and safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
“None of these procedures were followed in removing Professor Matur as Vice Chancellor, and no reason was given except for what we have independently gathered to be connected to political differences,” the statement read.
It added that “this is in spite of the fact that the Butura nation overwhelmingly voted for the PDP in the elections that brought Barrister Mutfwang to power. In addition, the University is purely an academic institution governed by laws and professional experience not sentiments. “After all, Professor Matur’s capacity in steering the University towards academic excellence and institutional growth, including fostering a harmonious relationship with the host community is not in doubt.”
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