“Enough of the Witch-Hunt”: Plateau Ethnic Youth Coalition Defends Provost Etukudoh of FCMLST Amid Allegations

Jos, October 24, 2024– A coalition of Plateau ethnic youth groups raised their voices condemning what they called “a sustained witch-hunt” against Professor Sunday Obong Etukudoh, the Provost of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (FCMLST) in Jos.

The Coalition, represented by Chairman Comrade Stephen D. Kwa, declared their findings at a press conference on Wednesday, alleging that accusations of misappropriation and other grievances leveled against Prof. Etukudoh stem from “jealousy” over his substantial achievements at the college.

“Our coalition believes firmly in fairness and objectivity,so when these allegations surfaced in the media, especially on social platforms, we were compelled to conduct our own independent investigation.” Kwa asserted

According to Kwa, the Coalition’s findings revealed that Prof. Etukudoh, who has served as the institution’s Provost, remains a crucial figure in the college’s advancement and has achieved “more than any of his predecessors.”

Kwa outlined how Etukudoh, himself a distinguished alumnus of FCMLST, steered the college’s growth from modest beginnings to becoming a fully established institution recognized by federal law—a status achieved only after extensive lobbying with both the Presidency and the National Assembly.

“Many of those who criticize him fail to acknowledge that without his efforts, the college might have been relocated, as was the Dental School moved to Akwa Ibom,Etukudoh’s commitment to keeping the institution rooted in Jos has only added to his value in Plateau State.” he said.

The Coalition went on to emphasize specific contributions by Etukudoh, including the completion of key infrastructure projects—such as a diagnostic and molecular biology laboratory, an e-library, and a borehole treatment plant for the college hostels.

Furthermore, they highlighted Prof. Etukudoh’s efforts to foster development in the host community, Nupkis, through solar lighting installations and job opportunities prioritized for local residents.

“Under his leadership, the college even secured approval to host seven faculties of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS),Prof. Etukudoh is not just a leader but a mentor, a visionary dedicated to advancing the medical laboratory sciences in Nigeria.”Kwa pointed out.

The Coalition underscored how even federal and local government officials had praised Etukudoh’s work. A recent inspection led by Dr. Kubra Jauro from the National Board for Technical Education commended the Provost’s ongoing efforts, calling the college’s development under his leadership “a model for institutional growth.”

The Coalition, therefore, passed a vote of confidence in the Provost while urging those hellbent on removing him for personal gain to desist from their divisive campaigns

In closing, the Coalition called upon the Federal Government to release funds for the college’s remaining capital projects and appealed to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for assistance with road construction to improve access to the college.

“We urge the Federal Government to take note of Etukudoh’s dedication and commitment,and we say to those trying to pull him down: enough is enough. Prof. Etukudoh has proven he has the best interests of Plateau and Nigeria at heart.”