The Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, Professor Bernard Matur has reaffirmed the commitment of the management of the Institution to constructive dialogue and collaboration with university workers in order to foster a conducive working environment conducive to the institution’s growth.
In a press briefing held on Friday, Professor Matur addressed the concerns raised by academic workers who initiated an indefinite strike the previous day to address outstanding allowances. He assured that ongoing negotiations, commenced prior to the strike, would be diligently pursued until all issues are amicably resolved within a week.

Professor Matur highlighted notable achievements within his five-month tenure, including the expansion of faculties from four to ten, payment of eight months salary arrears, clearance of eleven years of academic allowances, settlement of two years of promotion allowances, and substantial infrastructural improvements.

Security enhancements were underscored, featuring the establishment of an 18-man police station and a 12-man military task force, along with the recruitment of private and volunteer security personnel. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the collaborative efforts with law enforcement to ensure maximum security on campus.

Reflecting on the university’s history since its establishment in 2005, Professor Matur shared insights into his assumption of the role as the 5th Vice Chancellor in March 2023.

He said, “Under the current administration, new programs have been initiated, such as the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, and Health Sciences. Notably, the National Universities Commission recently granted approval for an additional faculty – the Faculty of Education.

Within the NUC approvals, three new programs are set to launch in the Faculty of Sciences, encompassing the departments of Zoology, Plant Science, and Biotechnology.

These expansions are strategically designed to fulfill the admission requirements of both NUC and JAMB, while also addressing the immediate needs of our evolving environment.”

Acknowledging the support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Professor Matur noted “ The administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang has given the university every support including resources to get full accreditation in all its programs and also to succeed with its resource verification.

The Governor has also ensured the payment of eight months backlog of salary arrears owed to the university lecturers during a period of their strike action prior to this administration.

He has equally ensured the payment of eleven sessions of earned academic allowances owed the lecturers.

Other allowances previously owed but cleared are promotion allowances for workers promoted in the last two years.

The security of the university has also received a boost. Under this administration, we have recruited 40 security personnel to add up to the 89 that were previously available. There is also the presence of 21 professional hunters to ensure that there is total security on campus.”

The Vice Chancellor urged students to continue academic activities and registration for the new sessions, assuring them of ongoing negotiations with striking lecturers and expressing optimism for a swift resolution of their concerns within a week.

In closing, Professor Matur expressed gratitude for the support received and reiterated the university’s dedication to providing quality education and maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment.

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Plateau Varsity VC, Prof. Matur Reaffirms Commitment to Constructive Dialogue and Collaboration With Staff