The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Plateau State Chapter, has handed over a newly constructed 200-capacity Anatomy Dissection Laboratory to the College of Medical Sciences of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, in a move aimed at strengthening medical education and research in the institution.
The laboratory was officially presented to the University alongside other completed infrastructure projects during a handover ceremony held at the institution on Friday in Bokkos, Plateau State.
Receiving the keys and handover documents, the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Professor Shedrack Best, expressed gratitude to the Visitor to the University and Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for facilitating ALGON’s intervention in the development of the institution.
Professor Best said the University’s fortunes had improved significantly under the present administration, noting that PLASU was now enjoying increased government attention and support.
“There is a change in the narrative. PLASU is now feeling the presence of the Plateau State Government,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
He listed some of the interventions by the Mutfwang administration to include the funding of National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation exercises, the procurement of a 32-seater bus, counterpart funding for the construction of the University’s Smart Auditorium, as well as other infrastructural projects.
While commending the state government for the interventions, Professor Best appealed for additional support toward the completion of the University’s central library, explaining that only the first phase of the project is currently functional.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ephraim Usman, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mahan Mallo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the continued growth and development of Plateau State University.
Also speaking, the Chairman of ALGON, Plateau State Chapter, Hon. Hamisu Anani, represented by the Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council, Hon. Lapching Golime, assured the University management of ALGON’s readiness to support initiatives that would enhance teaching, learning and research.
The contractor, Engr. Timothy Tola of Debdans Multibiz Nigeria Limited, thanked the University management, the Plateau State Government and other stakeholders for the confidence reposed in his company, while pledging to maintain high standards in project delivery. He was also commended for the quality and timely completion of the anatomy laboratory.
In addition to the anatomy laboratory, the University took possession of a 24-room students’ hostel constructed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under its 2024 Special Intervention Programme.
Professor Best, while receiving the hostel, noted that the facility would cater for only about three percent of the University’s accommodation needs due to the rapidly growing student population. He appreciated TETFund for the intervention and appealed to philanthropists, corporate organisations and development partners to support the institution in addressing its accommodation deficit.
The University also received its Smart Auditorium, a modern facility designed to host seminars, conferences, inaugural lectures and other academic engagements, a development expected to further strengthen the University’s teaching, learning and research environment.