From PETER TITLE, Bokkos
Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and elder statesman, has said insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt has become a matter of growing global attention, noting that even international leaders and media organisations are now listening more closely to the realities of the region.
Danjuma made the remarks Saturday at the 8th–9th combined convocation ceremony of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, where he was conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration and Ethics (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his immense contributions to business, economic growth and society.
“The name ‘Middle Belt’ has become part of global vocabulary,” Danjuma declared.He recalled that when President Donald Trump publicly spoke about the situation in Nigeria, particularly concerns affecting communities in the Middle Belt, the international media took notice.
“Many were surprised, some puzzled, yet the conversation persisted,” he said.“Today, the world is listening more closely to realities of our region. For that awareness, we are grateful.”
The retired army chief expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as especially meaningful because it came “from my own people.I am humbled by the recognition,” he stated.
Danjuma urged all in society to invest in Nigeria’s youths to unlock economic transformation and called on the Federal Government to prioritise manpower development, particularly among young people, as a strategy for transforming the nation’s economy.
He also praised the university for acknowledging national realities with courage and responsibility.
At the same ceremony, another prominent Nigerian, Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji, was honoured with the degree of Doctor of Information Technology and Entrepreneurship (Honoris Causa) for his contributions to information technology, business innovation, the financial sector and youth entrepreneurship.
Danjuma described Aboyeji as “the right choice” and a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s youthful entrepreneurial potential, stressing the need to mentor, finance and properly guide young Nigerians.
The convocation ceremony, held at the institution’s main campus in Bokkos Local Government Area, attracted graduands, students, staff, parents and well-wishers from across the country.
Speaking afterwards, the Governor of Plateau State and Visitor to the University, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards repositioning education as a powerful engine for economic growth, innovation and social transformation in the state.
The governor described the convocation as “a celebration of resilience, excellence, and the harvest of years of intellectual labour,” declaring that “the time is now for a new era of educational excellence in Plateau State.”
He congratulated the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Williams Barnabas Qurix, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, members of Council and Senate, staff and students for what he called “a visible institutional rebirth marked by stronger systems, renewed dynamism, and measurable progress.”
Governor Mutfwang disclosed that close to ₦1 billion has been invested by his administration in programme accreditation to ensure that all academic offerings meet national standards and international benchmarks.
“We resolved that our institutions must no longer function merely as degree-awarding factories, but as vibrant hubs of innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and global relevance,” he stated.
He highlighted the establishment of the Faculty of Law, the take-off of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences as critical steps towards building “a healthcare fortress for Plateau State and Nigeria.”
Towards repositioning the university for global competitiveness, the governor announced the approval of the unbundling of Mass Communication into a Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, alongside the establishment of PLASU 103.3 FM to bridge theory and practice in broadcasting, digital communication and public discourse.
On staff welfare, Mutfwang confirmed that all outstanding Earned Academic Allowances have been cleared, the new National Minimum Wage implemented, and the university’s monthly subvention increased to enhance staff motivation and institutional sustainability.“No university can rise above the quality and commitment of its workforce,” he affirmed.
Charging the graduands, the governor urged them to be bold innovators and responsible global citizens, encouraging them to create opportunities and challenge limitations.
Governor Mutfwang also gifted ₦250,000 each to the 22 graduates who earned First Class degrees.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor commended the governor for giving PLASU “first-class attention,” while the Vice-Chancellor revealed that the university has expanded from three faculties in 2007 to eleven faculties and a School of Postgraduate Studies, with a student population of over 16,000.
He disclosed that the combined convocation covered the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions, producing 2,485 Bachelor’s degree graduates, including 22 First Class honours recipients.
Our correspondent reports that the ceremony also marked a historic milestone with the graduation of the university’s first 13 Postgraduate Diploma holders and 79 Master’s degree recipients across various disciplines.