Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ousted Professor Bernard Matau, the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, along with four other heads of tertiary institutions in the state. Matau, who assumed the VC position while serving as Commissioner for Higher Education in the previous administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong, was removed from his post before completing his tenure.
The heads of the affected institutions include the Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic in Barkin Ladi, as well as the Provosts of College of Health Technology in Pankshin and Zawan, and the College of Education in Gindiri.
The Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, officially announced the decision on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, stating that Governor Mutfwang approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Plateau State University, Bokkos, with immediate effect. Additionally, the Governor sanctioned the removal of the aforementioned heads of tertiary institutions.
The statement provided no specific reasons for their removal, instructing the ousted officials to hand over any government property in their possession to the next most senior officers in their respective institutions promptly.
Governor Mutfwang also canceled previous recruitment processes conducted by the tertiary institutions in 2022 and early 2023, which had been under suspension. Instead, a new, all-inclusive recruitment process for all tertiary institutions will be advertised.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Governing Council for their service to the state and wished them success in their future endeavors.
