By Queen Kunde
Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, is gaining national attention for its sweeping academic and infrastructural transformation, earning high praise from top lawmakers in the Nigerian Senate.
During a visit to the university on May 12th, Senator Diket Plang, who represents Plateau Central and serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour Employment and Productivity, lauded the institution’s bold strides toward becoming a globally competitive academic hub.
“I want to encourage and thank the management of PLASU for what we are seeing.
They are carrying the burden of the entire Plateau State,” Senator Plang declared while touring key facilities, including a newly established digital learning centre he helped bring to life.
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of the Plateau State Government, particularly commending the Governor for facilitating the operationalization of strategic academic units. “Some strategic facilities are now operating,” the Senator noted, citing the successful launch of the Faculties of Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Law, and Agriculture.
PLASU’s impressive growth trajectory over the last two years has seen it expand from four to eleven faculties, with more than 68 academic programs now on offer, including postgraduate studies—up from the 16 undergraduate programs at its inception.
The university has simultaneously embarked on an ambitious infrastructure drive. New lecture theatres, offices, hostels, and paved roads now dot the campus. In a bold move toward sustainability, PLASU has overcome its disconnection from the national power grid by installing expansive solar farms, ensuring uninterrupted electricity across all academic and residential buildings. Water access has also been secured year-round.
Senator Plang’s visit centered on the digital learning centre he facilitated through his work with the Senate Committee on ICT and Digital Learning in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
“I decided to bring it to PLASU because this is central and can benefit every other institution in the state,” Plang explained.
He praised the university management for their initiative in supplementing the facility with additional computers, and pledged future support—particularly in the area of sports development.
Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, Acting Vice Chancellor of PLASU, expressed gratitude for the Senator’s dedication and urged continued support for the university’s upward trajectory.
“I believe that this is a tip of the iceberg. I believe that you can do more,” Professor Best said, while highlighting the university’s recent success at the National Universities Games, where a PLASU athlete clinched a gold medal and earned a spot on Nigeria’s team for a global championship in July.
With growing federal attention and local commitment, PLASU appears firmly on course to becoming a flagship institution not only for Plateau State but for Nigeria as a whole.
Discussion about this post