NANCY MAJEKODUNMI, in this review of the last three years of the education sector in Plateau State, outlines both the notable progress and remaining challenges within the system. The writer captures government efforts in scholarships, infrastructure upgrades, teacher recruitment, digital learning and expanded access to tertiary education, including support for institutions such as Plateau State University. While highlighting these achievements, it also points to ongoing gaps in public school facilities and manpower, showing that the sector is improving but still faces significant hurdles
Education is the bedrock of any progressive society and therefore cannot be taken for granted. In every nation, the strength of its educational system determines the pace of its development, the quality of its leadership and the future of its citizens. A society that invests in education invests in innovation, economic growth, national unity and sustainable development.
In Nigeria, the democratic process has often been filled with promises from political leaders, many of which fail to materialise after elections. Citizens have repeatedly witnessed administrations make grand declarations about improving infrastructure, healthcare, employment and education without meaningful action to support those commitments.
However, the Mutfwang administration distinguished itself not only by speaking about the importance of education but also by taking practical steps to improve the sector.
More importantly, the administration recognised that education is not merely a social service but a powerful tool for reducing poverty, promoting equality, and strengthening democracy. By acting on its promises, it restored confidence among many citizens who had become sceptical of political rhetoric over the years.
Plateau State cannot rise above the quality of its education, and leaders who prioritise this sector contribute significantly to the future stability and prosperity of the country.
While challenges still remain, the efforts made by the Plateau State Government in the last three years prove that with genuine political will, democratic governance can move beyond promises and deliver meaningful results to the people.
Demonstration of educational reform, innovation
The Head of the Administration, Plateau State Ministry of Education, Mr. Audu Alajong, enumerated the milestones reached by the Plateau State Government, which include the demonstration of excellence, innovation and digital learning.
He said, “In recognition of outstanding performance, the Governor rewarded hardworking students who emerged winners in quiz and E-debate competitions with laptops and tablets.”
He added that these rewards “served not only as motivation for the recipients but also encouraged healthy academic competition among students across the state.”
In addition, he stated that “the government offered a scholarship up to university level to an indigené student who distinguished himself as the lead speaker at the national E-debate competition.”
He explained that this gesture “reflected the administration’s commitment to nurturing talent, rewarding excellence, and investing in the future of young intellectuals in Plateau State.”
As part of efforts to strengthen science and technology education, “the government sponsored 200 students for foreign scholarships to study science-related courses. This bold investment in human capital development is expected to equip beneficiaries with global knowledge and technical expertise that will contribute to the advancement of the state and the nation at large.”
He further reiterated that “the administration approved a three hundred percent upward review of scholarship allowances for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.”
He pointed out that this significant increase “demonstrated a renewed commitment to supporting academic excellence and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students from pursuing higher education.”
Furthermore, “scholarship allowances were approved and paid to various categories of students, including Law students, French immersion students, undergraduates, postgraduate students, and beneficiaries of other specialised academic programmes within and outside the country.”
Between 2023 and 2025 alone, the government reportedly “expended over one billion naira on scholarship payments and educational support programmes, reflecting its strong investment in the future of Plateau State students.”
On his own part, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Nankus Ngwalong Adams, revealed that “before the emergence of the current administration, the board had almost been forgotten and its impact was hardly felt across the state. However, since the inception of this administration, significant transformations have taken place within the board.”
According to her, “the government reviewed and increased scholarship stipends for indigent students in order to improve access to education and encourage academic excellence.”
She explained that “the yearly allowance for undergraduate students was increased from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000. For students studying Medicine, Engineering, and Architecture, the stipend was raised from ₦8,000 to ₦30,000 annually.”
She added that “students living with disabilities now receive ₦40,000, while postgraduate students receive ₦50,000, and PhD students receive ₦100,000 respectively.”
She noted that “these improvements have encouraged more students to apply for scholarships, as the new amounts are more substantial and impactful.”
Mrs. Ngwalong further disclosed that “the administration also extended its support to international education opportunities.”
She added that “through a partnership involving the Plateau State Government and institutions in India, about 200 students were sponsored to study in India late last year, while an additional 190 students joined the programme this year.”
She also mentioned that “the government sponsored students for studies at Liberty University in the United States, although only two beneficiaries were able to travel due to visa challenges.”
“The selection process for the foreign scholarship programme was transparent and merit-based. Candidates were assessed based on age, academic performance, and an aptitude test, which determined the successful applicants,” she explained.
“Today, the board has become more active, relevant, and widely recognised, with a growing number of students seeking scholarship opportunities,” Mrs. Adams said.
She expressed confidence that the present administration will continue to do even more in advancing educational support for the people of Plateau State.
Some of the beneficiaries of the scholarship to India, including Solomon Albert Joshua and Jemima Dalyop, expressed their appreciation to the government for the opportunity to pursue their education abroad.
According to Solomon, “the scholarship has brought great relief to my parents, and I feel honoured to have been selected from over one thousand candidates.” He is currently studying Cybersecurity in India.
Jemima, who is studying Operational Theatre Technology, also expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as “a life-changing experience that will help shape my future career.”
Furthermore, the administration prioritised data driven educational planning through the training of Data Masters and the provision of iPads for data collection and processing.
This initiative enhanced the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of educational data management, thereby supporting evidence based decision making and improved policy implementation within the education sector.
Infrastructural development, institutional strengthening
Data obtained from the education ministry also shows that Plateau State has continued to make significant investments in educational infrastructure, institutional development, security enhancement, healthcare services and technological advancement aimed at improving the quality of learning and creating a conducive environment for students and staff.
One of the landmark projects currently underway is the construction of a 159-capacity, state of the art conference centre. This modern, functional and technologically advanced facility is designed for academic, professional and community engagements to meet international standards. The conference centre will serve as a multifunctional venue for conferences, seminars, workshops, training programmes, official meetings and other high level events.
At the College of Agriculture, Garkawa, the government has embarked on the construction of a greenhouse equipped with a solar-powered borehole system. This initiative is expected to strengthen practical agricultural training, promote modern farming techniques and support year-round agricultural research and production despite changing climatic conditions.
In the area of institutional renewal and administrative efficiency, the administrative block at the Jos Campus of Plateau State Polytechnic has been fully remodelled and furnished to provide a more conducive working environment for staff and improved service delivery to students and visitors. In the same institution, the twin theatre halls and the Joshua Dariye Hall have also undergone extensive renovation and furnishing, thereby enhancing the institution’s capacity for academic activities.
To strengthen the security architecture within the institution, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at strategic locations across the main campus of Plateau State Polytechnic. This initiative is aimed at improving surveillance, ensuring the safety of students and staff and protecting institutional facilities against vandalism and other security threats.
The government also procured a 10-man diesel tipper truck for the block industry unit of Plateau State Polytechnic. The acquisition is intended to boost the institution’s internally generated revenue through enhanced production and commercial activities, while also supporting practical training for students in relevant technical fields.
In the health sector within educational institutions, the Polytechnic Clinic at Plateau State Polytechnic has been renovated and upgraded to a functional Medical Centre. The facility is now fully operational and provides healthcare services not only to staff and students but also to residents of the surrounding Heipang community, thereby expanding access to quality medical care.
As part of efforts to address the challenge of inadequate electricity supply in schools, solar power systems have been installed in several tertiary institutions across the state. Beneficiary institutions include the College of Arts, Science and Technology, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Vom, College of Education, Gindiri, Plateau State Polytechnic, and the Education Resource Centre. These installations are helping to augment power supply, improve learning conditions, support digital education and reduce dependence on unstable public electricity.
Furthermore, the government procured 70 desktop computers for the College of Health Technology, Zawan, as part of preparations for the establishment of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre. This initiative is in line with plans to migrate the institution’s examinations from traditional paper-based formats to modern CBT systems, thereby improving examination efficiency, transparency and alignment with global educational standards.
Collectively, these projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming educational institutions across Plateau State through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, healthcare, security, renewable energy and academic development. The interventions are expected to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, promote innovation, improve institutional capacity and create a more competitive and sustainable education sector in the state.
Standardisation, access, system reforms
One of the landmark achievements of the administration was the approval and commencement of nineteen (19) degree programmes at the College of Education, Gindiri. This development marked a major milestone in the institution’s growth, expanding opportunities for higher learning and professional teacher training within the state.
The initiative has not only enhanced academic standards but also positioned the institution as a stronger contributor to manpower development and educational advancement.
In a bid to ensure that students in Plateau State benefit from federal educational support initiatives, the government also embarked on an extensive sensitisation campaign for stakeholders on how to access the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Through this awareness drive, institutions such as the Federal Government-owned University of Jos and Plateau State University (PLASU) have already begun to benefit from the programme, thereby increasing financial access to tertiary education for students and easing the burden on families.
Another major achievement recorded under the administration is the commencement of the printing and release of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) certificates. This long-awaited intervention addressed years of delay and backlog in certificate issuance. The government has further assured that the process will continue uninterrupted, thereby restoring confidence in the education system and ensuring that students can seamlessly pursue further academic and career opportunities.
To improve educational standards and safeguard the future of learners, the administration undertook a comprehensive verification exercise of both public and private schools across Plateau State. This exercise led to the identification and closure of illegal and substandard schools operating below approved standards. The action demonstrated the government’s commitment to quality assurance, child protection and the provision of conducive learning environments for all students.
The administration also demonstrated excellence, innovation and digital learning. In recognition of outstanding performance, Governor Mutfwang rewarded hardworking students who emerged winners in quiz and E-debate competitions with laptops and tablets. These rewards served not only as motivation for the recipients but also encouraged healthy academic competition among students across the state.
Welfare, staffing, persistent challenges in the system
In an interview with THE NIGERIA STANDARD, Ruth Emibarsa Morris, a lecturer at Plateau State University, revealed the deep sense of relief, appreciation and renewed confidence that members of staff of the institution now feel under the present administration. According to her, “one of the most remarkable interventions was the prompt payment of the long standing Earned Academic Allowance, which had accumulated for over ten years without being settled.”
She explained that “for years, lecturers and other academic staff had almost lost hope of receiving the allowance, despite repeated appeals and negotiations with previous administrations. However, shortly after the current administration became aware of the issue during an industrial strike action embarked upon by staff members, immediate steps were taken to address the matter. To the surprise of many staff members, a substantial payment was released almost immediately, while the remaining balance was fully settled within a week.”
She described the development as “unprecedented and a clear demonstration of responsive and people oriented leadership.”
Ruth Emibarsa further acknowledged that the administration did not stop at addressing staff welfare alone. According to her, “the government also paid serious attention to the welfare of vulnerable members of society, particularly orphans and the less privileged.”
She stated that “names of indigent students and vulnerable children were compiled for assistance, and many of them had their school fees fully paid by the government.”
Beyond tuition support, she noted that several welfare initiatives were introduced to improve the living conditions and educational opportunities of disadvantaged citizens across the state.
Speaking passionately about the general atmosphere in the institution, she remarked: “Seriously, since this administration took over, unless people refuse to speak out about their needs, once they cry out for anything, it is addressed immediately.”
She added: “Students and staff alike now feel more valued, motivated, and hopeful because of the administration’s commitment to education and human capital development.”
In addition to the settlement of the Earned Academic Allowance, the administration introduced several impactful policies and programmes aimed at improving the educational sector across the state. One such intervention was the payment of palliatives to students of state owned tertiary institutions in 2023 to cushion the economic effects following the removal of fuel subsidy. This gesture brought relief to thousands of students struggling with transportation, feeding and other educational expenses during the difficult economic transition.
The education sector also witnessed massive recruitment exercises designed to strengthen manpower capacity in state owned institutions. Over one thousand staff members were recruited into tertiary institutions to fill long existing vacancies and address manpower shortages that had affected effective service delivery for years.
In addition, through the AGILE Programme, the administration recruited eight hundred and eighty-nine teachers as well as two hundred non teaching staff for secondary schools across the state, thereby improving the quality of teaching and learning in public schools.
Another milestone achievement highlighted was the approval and release of funds for the full implementation of the university salary structure for staff members of Plateau State University. Although this development was expected to ease concerns, the ongoing delay in the process is causing agitation and prompting preparations for industrial strike action, as revealed by an anonymous lecturer from the institution.
The administration also demonstrated commitment to justice and fairness in the handling of pension and gratuity matters. Outstanding gratuity balances owed to retired civil servants of the College of Health Technology, Zawan, were fully settled. These retirees had previously received only thirty percent of their gratuities despite the existence of funds domiciled in the institution’s pension and gratuity accounts. The intervention corrected years of neglect and restored hope to many retired workers and their families.
Additionally, the government approved and settled outstanding fees owed on behalf of Plateau State students studying at the National Mathematical Centre to the tune of forty million, six hundred thousand naira. This intervention ensured that affected students could continue their academic programmes without disruption.
Gains amid gaps in Plateau’s education system
All the good testimony and accolades of the educational sector still have great impact and visible efforts and achievements, but not without challenges.
A visit to Government Secondary School, Hwolshe, left us in disbelief at the terrible state of the school’s infrastructure and the alarming level of structural decay affecting the classrooms. During the rainy season, both students and teachers live in constant fear whenever dark clouds gather because rainfall turns learning spaces into unsafe and unconducive environments.
In some classrooms, the roofs leak heavily, forcing students to squeeze themselves into corners that are less affected by the downpour just to continue lessons. The situation has become unbearable, making effective teaching and learning almost impossible.
The poor condition of the classrooms paints a troubling picture of the challenges facing public education infrastructure despite ongoing interventions in the sector. Students are often distracted during lessons as they struggle to avoid the leaking roofs, while teachers are unable to deliver lessons comfortably. The learning environment, which should inspire and encourage academic excellence, has instead become a source of discomfort and frustration.
Speaking to THENIGERIASTANDARD, the principal of the school, Mrs. Elizabeth Adamu Bala, confirmed the deplorable conditions witnessed during the visit.
She explained: “Some of the structures currently under construction came through the intervention of the AGILE Programme, an agency under the Ministry of Education working in partnership with the World Bank.”
Research shows that the programme awarded contracts for the construction and renovation of fifty-five schools across the state, with many of the projects currently at about sixty-five percent completion. Government Secondary School, Hwolshe, is among the beneficiary schools.
Mrs. Bala expressed appreciation for the intervention but appealed passionately for the AGILE programme to continue and ensure the completion of all ongoing projects.
According to her, “several structures within the school remain unfinished, leaving students and staff still exposed to difficult conditions.”
She revealed that officials from SUBEB had earlier visited the school to assess the level of work and discuss the possibility of additional structures, but since then, nothing has been communicated.
The principal acknowledged that “SUBEB had provided the school with additional desks to support learning,” but she stressed that “the supply is still grossly inadequate considering the growing student population.”
Beyond infrastructure challenges, the school is also struggling with a shortage of qualified teachers in critical subject areas. She disclosed that “about fourteen teachers currently working in the school are PTA employed teachers, paid directly by parents through the Parent-Teachers Association. Even the school’s security guard is funded by the PTA.”
This, according to her, places enormous financial pressure on parents who are already burdened with supporting their children’s education.
“The shortage of facilities has also forced the school management to limit student admissions because there are simply not enough classrooms and resources to accommodate more learners,” she said.
This development is particularly worrying at a time when access to education should be expanding rather than shrinking.
Although the present administration has recorded commendable achievements in the education sector, especially through intervention programmes and infrastructure development efforts, there is still much more to be done.
Schools like Government Secondary School, Hwolshe, serve as a reminder that while progress has been made, many communities are still waiting to fully benefit from the promises of improved public education.
The urgent completion of ongoing projects, provision of adequate facilities and recruitment of qualified teachers remain critical to securing a better future for students in the state.