The Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Professor Bernard Matau, has been relieved of his duties, along with four other heads of tertiary institutions in the state. The decision, which was confirmed by a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, was made public on Tuesday.
Professor Matau, who was appointed Vice Chancellor while serving as the state Commissioner for Higher Education in the previous administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong, has been removed from office before the completion of his tenure. The decision also affected the Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, and the Provosts of College of Health Technology in Pankshin and Zawan, as well as the College of Education in Gindiri.
The statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, announced the immediate dissolution of the Governing Council of Plateau State University, Bokkos, along with the removal of the heads of the aforementioned tertiary institutions.
While the statement did not provide reasons for their removal, it directed all affected heads to promptly hand over any government property in their possession to the next most senior officers in their respective institutions.
Furthermore, the governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, approved the cancellation of recruitment exercises conducted by tertiary institutions in 2022 and early 2023, which had been under suspension. Instead, applications for an all-inclusive recruitment for all tertiary institutions will be advertised.
The statement concluded with the governor expressing gratitude to the chairman and members of the dissolved Governing Council for their services to the state and wished them success in their future endeavors.