Jos, Plateau State — Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Tuesday met with newly absorbed staff of tertiary institutions at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House, Little Rayfield, in a gathering that highlighted his administration’s dedication to repositioning the education sector. The meeting brought together top government officials, heads of institutions, and long-serving workers who had waited years for recognition.
Governor Mutfwang explained that the state had earlier suspended the recruitment exercise for tertiary institutions after discovering that many ad-hoc staff, some who had served for over two decades, were excluded from permanent appointments. He described the situation as “unjust,” noting that the suspension became necessary to address complaints and correct irregularities. With governing councils now fully constituted, he said eligibility was reviewed and a help desk was established to handle grievances.
The governor commended the workers for their patience despite years of earning as little as ₦6,000 monthly. He announced the approval of compensation funds to acknowledge their sacrifices, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring decent wages and providing qualified personnel for quality education. Governor Mutfwang further highlighted the progress made in the sector, including increased admissions and the approval of 19 new degree programmes. He encouraged staff to pursue higher qualifications, assuring them of government support and incentives. The governor urged the newly absorbed workers to uphold dedication and contribute meaningfully to advancing tertiary institutions across the state.
Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Pyam Gang, expressed gratitude to the governor for convening the meeting and for insisting that qualified ad-hoc and casual staff be included in the recruitment exercise. She described Mutfwang as a compassionate and fatherly leader whose decisions reflect genuine concern for workers’ welfare. Gang said the gathering aimed to deepen commitment and motivate staff toward improved performance.
Special Adviser on Labour Activities, Titus Alams, also lauded the governor for restoring hope to long-suffering workers. He acknowledged the role of the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, and institutional heads in ensuring the success of the absorption process. Alams urged the staff to justify the government’s confidence by being diligent, punctual, and supportive of the administration’s vision.
Representing the youth, Hitler Pwajok praised Governor Mutfwang as a leader who prioritizes fairness and youth empowerment. He noted that the governor’s decision had given many young families renewed stability and economic opportunity. He urged beneficiaries to uphold integrity and productivity while praying for God’s blessings upon the governor.
Chairman of the Staff Delegation, Josea Sati, delivered an emotional address, describing the day as the happiest in their lives after 22 years of hardship, neglect, and unanswered pleas. He recalled broken homes, children withdrawn from school, and festive seasons marked by tears. Sati said no previous administration had listened to them until Governor Mutfwang restored their dignity. He pledged unwavering loyalty on behalf of all the workers and prayed for greater upliftment for the governor who, he said, “wiped away their tears” and transformed their lives.
