Condemnation Trails sack of VC, Heads of Tertiary institutions by Plateau Government

By Mathew Brangyet

There is growing condemnation following the sack of the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Prof Matur B Malau and Heads of other state-owned tertiary institution by the Plateau State government.

This follows series of criticism by coalition of civil society groups and students’ protest in the affected institutions as well as education stakeholders.

It could be recalled that coalition of civil society in Abuja on Thursday in a press statement signed by the chairman, Comrade Palm Jatau in response to the sacking of the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University and Heads of Tertiary institutions, frowned at such action describing it as the most erroneous decision on the planet earth especially when these appointees have not committed any offence.

“Even when they have committed an offence, there exists due process that must be followed in exercising disciplinary action on them” the statement added.

They reminded the governor that he was voted into office as a better alternative to the former APC administration in the state and as a result, “should uphold the best principle in all his actions including this matter to retain the love the people have for him.”

The academia is the conscience of the society where ethics, morals and standards guiding humanity is nurtured. For a government to begin to take actions that are not properly anchored on justice fairness and utmost decorum is to say the least an attempt to sink the institutions into abysmal opprobrium.

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The statement also added that students of Plateau state University and those institutions whose Heads were sacked have all been protesting this inconceivable action of the state governor calling on the government to reinstate the headship of the various tertiary institution as anything on the contrary will derail the programs of the institutions.

Higher institutions are governed by rule of law and not draconian, In that sense there is a laid down procedure for appointing and removing the Heads, acting otherwise will dislocate the foundation and fabrics on which the institutions are built.

While commending Governor Mutfang for some laudable developmental initiatives he has been taking since assumption of office, the group drew the governor’s attention to the fact that Tertiary institutions are custodians of the youthful class and restive components of the society.

The group cautioned that as Plateau works towards building enduring peace, the governor should be wary of any decision that could regenerate crisis in the state like removing the Heads of Higher institutions loved by the students without due process, urging him to retrace his step.

‘’A stitch in time they say saves nine’’ the statement concluded.