Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, is set to host its 8th and 9th Combined Convocation Ceremony, as the institution records major academic and infrastructural milestones aimed at strengthening its contribution to education, healthcare and agribusiness development in Plateau State and beyond.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, disclosed this during a press conference held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Boardroom, where he outlined key achievements recorded by the institution in recent years.
According to him, one of the most significant developments ahead of the convocation is the establishment of the College of Medicine and Surgery as well as the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which he described as critical to addressing healthcare manpower needs in the state and the country.
“These programmes are designed to bridge existing gaps in the healthcare sector, not only in Plateau State but across Nigeria,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Professor Best also highlighted progress recorded by the Faculty of Agriculture, noting that the university has invested in practical, sustainability-driven projects including poultry production and cattle breeding, as part of efforts to promote agribusiness and skills-based learning among students.
“We are focused on producing graduates who are not just job seekers but agripreneurs with practical skills,” he noted.
On academic standards, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that 16 academic programmes of the university recently underwent accreditation exercises by teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC), reaffirming PLASU’s commitment to quality assurance and global best practices.
The university is also preparing to strengthen its community engagement and student learning platforms with the establishment of its campus radio station, PLASU 103.3 FM, which is expected to serve both the university community and residents of Bokkos.
Professor Best acknowledged the support of the Plateau State Government, attributing many of the recent developments to the policy direction and backing of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whose “Time Is Now” governance philosophy, he said, has injected renewed urgency into the university’s growth agenda.
As preparations for the convocation continue, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that PLASU currently has a student population of over 13,000 drawn from different parts of the country, reflecting its growing national outlook.
The combined convocation ceremony, he noted, will not only celebrate graduating students but also serve as a reflection of the university’s steady progress and long-term vision for academic excellence, innovation and service to society.
