The Federal College of Education Pankshin has now officially been upgraded to the status of Federal University of Education Pankshin, being the first in the North Central states of Nigeria.
The Ministerial Assessment Committee Team Leader from the Federal Ministry of Education Dr. Uchenna Cecelia Uba stated this in Pankshin during the committee visit on Monday.
The Ministerial Assessment Team committee that visited the institution Comprising Officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to conduct an on-the-spot Assessment of the Facilities for the Effective Transition from College to Federal University.
According to the committee Team Leader, the Ministerial assessment involves escalating facilities and ensuring that all necessary criteria are met for the successful transition to a Federal University of Education.
“We are to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing facilities and take a detailed inventory of what they have already, this exercise aims to provide the federal government with accurate and reliable information. This will inform strategic preparation for the institution’s seamless transition and successful take-off as a Federal University of Education.
“We look forward to the cooperation of the community, the students, and all stakeholders to ensure that this institution, as it transitions into a Federal University of Education, is equipped with facilities that match the status of the institution.
“This institution has been established for over 50 years. With the efforts of so many stakeholders, the federal government decided to upgrade this institution. I want to mention particularly one of your illustrious sons who made this possible for all of us here today, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, PhD, is a proud son of the soil and a passionate advocate for education.
“Since 2019, he has worked tirelessly, almost single-handedly, to bring this dream to reality. The journey has not been an easy one, but I am sure he will tell his story, as it was his persistent effort that brought us to where we are today.
Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang Represented by the Speaker Plateau State Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan said the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (FCE) Pankshin to a federal university will bring development to Plateau State.
According to him, the upgrade will not only enhance educational opportunities but also boost the state’s economy and infrastructure.
He commended the lawmakers who sponsored the bill for the upgrade of the institution.
Senator Representing Plateau Central Senatorial District in the Senate and Chairman Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, Senator Diket Plang speaking at the Ministerial assessment visit in Pankshin applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upgrade of the Federal College of Education Pankshin, Plateau State, to the Federal University of Education.
Senator Plang equally saluted the foresight of the sponsor of the bill, which led to the conversion of the college to a full-fledged university, Hon. Yusuf Gardi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy and a member representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam federal constituencies of Plateau State.
According to him, the upgrade was a clear demonstration of the importance attached to education by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, adding that the upgrade will improve the quality of teaching by enriching the knowledge of teachers and further spurring them to work harder.
“Teaching is pivotal in education; therefore, teacher quality is central to quality education and the national development of any nation. So the upgrade of the college is part of the development plan of President Tinubu to promote qualitative education in Nigeria. And the quality of teachers is what determines the standard of education.
“This is a welcome development; Nigeria and Plateau State in particular will no doubt benefit immensely from this gesture. This equally demonstrates the unwavering support of this administration for the development of the educational system in Nigeria.
“Therefore, on behalf of the people of the Plateau Central Senatorial District of Plateau State, we, therefore, thank Mr President and sponsor of the bill, Hon. Gardi, alongside other members of the National Assembly from the State for their contributions towards the passage of the bill and consequent signing by the president.”
Chairman of Council Federal University of Education, Pankshin Hon. Funsho Olumoko on his part said the upgrade of the institution to a Federal University of Education is a monumental step forward in pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.
Member Representing Pankshin Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi who singlehandedly sponsored the bill for the upgrade of the institution to a University said he is fulfilled as God has answered his prayers.
“The transformation of the College of Education Pankshin to the Federal University of Education Pankshin represents a significant milestone, symbolizing empowerment, development, progress, and enhanced educational opportunities.
“This upgrade brings Infrastructural expansion, Job creation and employment opportunities and Increased access to academic excellence”
He said as an alumnus of Federal College of Education Pankshin, deeply connected to this institution and Witnessing its growth to university status is a lifetime achievement.
“This upgrade benefits not only the institution but also the entire North Central region. I’m proud to have contributed to this progress and look forward to its continued success.
Hon. Gagdi also acknowledged the instrumental roles played by the Emir of Kanam and the Ngolong Ngas Nde Jika Golit, saying their contributions to his success have been invaluable, marked by shared moments of joy and tears of blessing.
He also expressed gratitude to the Plateau State government, recognizing their unwavering support throughout his journey, from becoming a deputy speaker to a member of the House of Representatives.
“Today marks a historic day for Plateau State, particularly for Pankshin, as the Federal College of Education is upgraded to a federal university.
The Ngolong Ngas his Royal Highness Nde Jika Golit and Emir of Kanam His Royal Highness Alh. Dr Muhammadu Mu’azu welcomed the Ministerial assessment team and appreciated the effort of Hon. Yusuf Gagdi’s doggedness and love for his people having initiated and sponsored the bill for the establishment of the University.
They described the Lawmaker as a hero of democracy in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency.
