A major wave of relief swept through Plateau State’s tertiary education sector on Thursday as Governor Caleb Mutfwang formally met with newly absorbed staff of the College of Education and Plateau State Polytechnic—many of whom had served as ad-hoc workers for between 5 and 20 years on a monthly stipend as low as ₦6,000.
The meeting, held at Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House, Little Rayfield, marked the official confirmation of their absorption into the state workforce, accompanied by a directive from the Governor to compensate them for the years they spent earning meagre wages while sustaining the institutions.
“It was ungodly and unjust,” Mutfwang says, condemning years of exploitation
Addressing the emotional gathering, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep concern over the plight of the workers who had kept the institutions afloat for years without permanent employment or fair remuneration.
“When we discovered that none of you had been given permanent appointments, we felt it was wicked and ungodly. That is why we suspended the entire earlier recruitment exercise—to correct these injustices,” he said.
The Governor clarified that after the constitution of governing councils and a thorough audit of qualifications and complaints—facilitated by a help desk at the Ministry of Education—qualified workers were finally absorbed.
He added that the government had approved financial compensation to acknowledge their years of dedication despite being underpaid:
“Even the years of collecting ₦6,000 and ₦15,000 should not only be appreciated but compensated. I have approved funds that will be communicated to you properly.”
Governor Mutfwang encouraged the new staff to pursue further education and professional development, promising incentives for those seeking to upgrade their qualifications.
He highlighted significant improvements since the administration took office, including rising admissions at the Polytechnic—from about 3,000 to 9,000—and the approval of 19 new degree programs at the College of Education.
“We are committed to ensuring our schools have the staff needed to produce the kind of graduates Plateau will be proud of,” he added.
Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, commended the Governor’s insistence on justice for the ad-hoc staff, describing him as a leader with genuine compassion for the people.
“He asked us repeatedly: What of the ad-hoc staff? Are they qualified? Why were they not taken? His concern shows he is a father indeed,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the absorbed workers, Mr. Josiah Sati delivered an emotional tribute, recounting decades of suffering, neglect, and broken families due to financial hardship.
“For 22 years we cried. No one listened. We don’t remember when last we celebrated Christmas. Our families suffered. But today, sir, God has used you for us,” he said, breaking down repeatedly.
He described the Governor as the only leader who acknowledged their plight in over two decades:
“What 22 governments could not do, you have done. For this reason, we are writing your name in gold.”
Special Adviser on Youth Matters, Hon. Hitler Pwajok, and Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity, Titus Alams, reminded the newly absorbed staff to justify the government’s gesture through dedication and punctuality.
“The Governor has prioritized education because it is the foundation of development. Don’t betray the trust placed in you,” Alams said.
They emphasized that the gesture should translate into renewed productivity across Plateau’s tertiary institutions.
The event ended on a jubilant note, with staff expressing renewed hope and pledging loyalty to the administration. Many see the development as a historic correction of long-standing injustice in the state’s education sector.
With the absorption completed and compensation approved, Plateau’s tertiary institutions are expected to experience renewed stability and improved academic performance as long-serving workers finally secure permanent status and fair wages.
