The educational landscape in Plateau State has witnessed a significant transformation with the upgrade of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, to the Federal University of Education, Pankshin.

This milestone achievement has been largely credited to the efforts of Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi, the member representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The new university, a testament to Gagdi’s legislative work, is set to usher in a new era of higher education in the region. Among the most anticipated benefits is the creation of new job opportunities.

The institution has already advertised and employed for various positions, including academic and administrative roles, which are crucial for the establishment and operation of a full-fledged university. These vacancies cover a wide range of fields and qualifications, from Doctorate degrees for senior academic positions like Lecturer II, to HND and other degrees for administrative roles like Administrative Officer II and Executive Officer.

The advertised positions also include a range of other roles, such as Planning Officer, Quantity Surveyor, and Motor Driver Mechanic.

The establishment of the university and the subsequent employment opportunities align with Hon. Gagdi’s track record of facilitating jobs for his constituents. Throughout his political career, he has been known to assist people in securing permanent and pensionable jobs in various government agencies, ministries, and parastatals. His work in this area, which reportedly includes influencing over 300 jobs for constituents, is part of a broader commitment to community development that also encompasses building schools, hospitals, and empowering people with grants and other forms of support.

The upgrade of the college to a university is a result of a Bill sponsored by Hon. Gagdi. This Bill, along with five others, received presidential assent, making him the first lawmaker in Nigeria’s parliament to achieve this feat within a single legislative session.

This achievement highlights his dedication to impactful and sustainable change.
For the people of the PKK Federal Constituency and beyond, the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, represents a beacon of hope, promising to provide more advanced learning opportunities and a boost to the local economy through job creation.

Dakwom Makpring Long’gul is the lead citizen reporter and writes from Jos.

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The Role of Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi:New Dawn for Education in Pankshin