By Queen Kunde
In a landmark move to transform Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, into a regional hub for sports excellence, the institution has entered into a strategic partnership with Plateau United Football Club. The initiative aims to groom local talent, enhance sports infrastructure, and position the university as a destination for major athletic events in Nigeria.
During a high-level visit to the university on August 6, a delegation from Plateau United, led by former GM and current Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Grassroots Soccer Development, Habila Hosea Mutla, met with Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, to officially kick off the collaboration.
Prof. Best, while receiving branded team jerseys from the club, noted that PLASU’s unique altitude and temperate climate give it a natural edge for hosting elite sports training and competitions.
“We want to make PLASU a place where sports lovers from across the country can train, compete, and thrive,” he said.
Mutla, passionate about grassroots football, unveiled plans for a statewide tertiary institution football tournament. The goal: discover budding stars and prepare Plateau teams for national recognition. He praised PLASU’s rapid infrastructural upgrades and advocated for the football pitch to be enhanced to host professional games and create revenue streams.
“Football is what I love, dream, and live,” Mutla declared, pledging his unwavering support for the project.
Professor Best outlined ongoing projects that reflect the university’s deep commitment to sporting excellence: the levelling of its football field for multi-use, construction of basketball and volleyball courts (courtesy of Senator Diket Plang), and a broader drive to attract stakeholders to invest in student and community recreation.
“We believe that one day, Plateau United—and even the Super Eagles—will play matches right here at PLASU,” he stated.
The VC called on corporate organizations, financial institutions, and individuals to emulate Plateau United’s gesture by supporting the university’s growing sports ecosystem.
PLASU Sports Unit Coach, Agwom Yohanna, hailed the partnership as historic and motivating for students.
“This gives hope to young athletes. They now see a pathway to join professional clubs,” he said.
In appreciation of the support, an award was presented to the Vice Chancellor for his unwavering contributions to sports development, while Mr. Mutla received a PLASU-branded tracksuit as a souvenir.
The partnership comes on the heels of the university staff’s silver medal performance in a recent inter-university competition, further reinforcing PLASU’s rising sports profile.
With eyes on the future and boots on the ground, PLASU is dribbling its way toward national sports prominence, one goal, one game, and one partnership at a time.
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