Lt. Gen Jeremiah Timbut Useni (Rtd) was born in Langtang, Langtang North LGA of Plateau state on 16th February, 1943. He is a graduate of Indian Military Academy. He holds a Diploma in advanced Military transportation from the US Army and passed through notable institutions including the British Army Apprentices College, Chepstow (UK), command and Staff College Jaji and the National Institute of policy and strategic studies Kuru, Jos. He is a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management (FNIM), Fellow Chattered Institute of Transport (UK and Nigeria) and distinguished Fellow of the War College fwc(+).
General Useni holds four honorary degress from four Universities in Nigeria namely: Doctor of Law, Federal Universities of Technology Owerri; Doctor of Letters, Bendel state University Ekpoma (now Edo); Doctor of Technology Federal University of Technology Akure and Doctor of Humanity University of Jos. He was two times president of the Alumni Association of the National Institute.
During his many years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army, he held various military and political appointments before his retirement. He was director of supply and transport, director of ordinance services and Quarter Master General, all of the Nigeria Army. He coordinated the establishment of the National War College (now National Defence College) and became its pioneer commandant.
POLITICAL PROFILE
On the political scene, he was chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (1977-1981), Military Governor of Bendel state (Now Edo and Delta) Jan 1984 – Aug 1985; Minister of Transport and Aviation (1985 – 1988); Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from Dec 1993 – Aug 1998. While in the FCT, he was appointed Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Forum and Leaders of Thought.
Gen Useni received many Military decorations including the:
• Distinguished Service Star
• Forces Service Star
• Long service Medal
• Defence Medal
• Independent Medal.
In 2011, he was conferred with the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). As a nationalist, Gen. Useni is bestowed with 12 chieftaincy/Traditional titles from various states of the Federation most notable is the Sardauna of Plateau and Nasarawa states. He was the chairman of Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum a social, cultural and pressure group covering the 19 Northern States of Nigeria for 5 years.
Lt Gen JT Useni (Rtd) is now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Plateau South Senatorial District of Plateau state. He is also the current Chancellor of Taraba State University, Jalingo with effect from 16th September, 2016.

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Know your legislators: Biography of Gen. JT Useni