Dakwom M. Longgul opinion

An Unsung Hero: The Travails and Triumphs of Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi in the Creation of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin

The air in Pankshin is thick with celebration. Banners proclaiming “Congratulations, Professor!” adorn social media feeds, and the sound of well-wishes echoes across the Mwaghavul land.

The official constitution of the Senate at the newly established Federal University of Education, Pankshin, has unleashed a torrent of joy and pride. Academic staff, who for years toiled with dedication and ambition at the former Federal College of Education, have now been elevated to the ranks of professors and other senior academic positions, their hard work and qualifications finally receiving the recognition they deserve.

Indeed, the stories of individual triumphs are heartwarming. The message celebrating Prof. Solomon E. Mangvwat, a worthy son of the Mwaghavul soil, on th blue app and also on watzup groups is a testament to the collective joy felt by the community.

His elevation, and that of many others, is seen not just as a personal achievement but as a communal victory, a beacon of hope and inspiration for the younger generation.

Yet, amidst this jubilant chorus of congratulations, a peculiar silence hangs in the air. The names of those celebrating their new ranks are on everyone’s lips, but the name of the man who initiated and championed this transformative project seems to be forgotten—or perhaps, deliberately overlooked.

The man who saw the upgrade from a college to a university to fruition, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi.For many, Hon. Gagdi’s name is synonymous with the Federal University of Education, Pankshin.

He was the chief architect and unwavering advocate for this monumental project. But his journey was far from smooth. In the corridors of power, the idea of upgrading the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, was met with skepticism and fierce opposition. There were political hurdles, bureaucratic red tape, and even personal attacks aimed at discrediting his vision. Gagdi, however, was not deterred. He faced antagonism head-on, driven by a deep conviction that this project would not only transform the educational landscape of Plateau State but also provide invaluable opportunities for its people.His travails were not just political; they were personal. He was often misunderstood, and his motives questioned.

But he persevered, driven by a singular purpose: to create a world-class institution that would provide jobs and elevate the academic standing of the region. He understood that a university would be more than just a place of learning; it would be a hub for economic activity, a source of pride, and a catalyst for development.And now, his vision has become a reality.

The constitution of the university’s Senate is the final, glorious chapter in this long and arduous journey. For the academic staff, the university’s establishment has been a game-changer. It has provided a legitimate and well-deserved pathway for them to rise to the pinnacle of their profession.

Many who would have otherwise retired as chief lecturers can now proudly be called professors, their years of research, teaching, and scholarship finally paying off. The new institution has not only created jobs for academic staff but also for administrative and non-academic personnel, injecting new life into the local economy.It is a bittersweet irony that in the midst of this widespread celebration, the very man who sowed the seed of this success seems to have been relegated to the footnotes of history.

The focus is on the harvest, but the farmer who toiled under the sun is forgotten. The accolades are for those who have attained new ranks, but the credit for creating the very platform for those advancements is not being given to its rightful owner.As a society, we have a collective duty to remember and honor those who bring about positive change. The success of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, is a testament to Hon. Gagdi’s courage, foresight, and unyielding dedication.

He endured criticism and opposition, not for personal gain, but for the collective good of his people.So, what next? The most fitting reward for this gentle legislator, who gave our children jobs and created an institution that is now the envy of many, would be a public and resounding acknowledgment of his contributions.

Beyond the political sphere, the community he served so diligently must ensure his legacy is not forgotten. It is a time to celebrate the new professors, but it is also a time to remember the man who made their professorships possible. Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi is the unsung hero of this story, and his triumph is a lesson in courage, perseverance, and selfless service. Let us not let history forget him.

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FUE Pankshin: Gagdi, the unsung hero