The visit, which took place on Monday, November 2, 2026, was aimed at evaluating the state of affairs at the institute, engaging its management and assessing the relationship between the institutions and their host community following the disagreement surrounding the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Ahmed.
The protest followed the Federal Government’s appointment of Professor Ahmed as Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, an institution operating within the NVRI Vom complex.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Plang said his assessment was undertaken on behalf of the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, chaired by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, following discussions at a recent committee sitting.
He explained that the committee had been informed that the issues responsible for the community protest had been discussed and addressed through engagements between the institution’s management, other agencies operating within the complex and the host community.
Plang said he was subsequently mandated to visit the institution to independently assess the situation and establish the level of progress made towards restoring normalcy.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his interactions with the management of the three institutions operating within the Vom complex, noting that their leadership demonstrated cooperation, teamwork and a cordial working relationship.
The senator also commended the peaceful atmosphere observed during the visit, describing it as encouraging for the continued development of the institutions.
He said the NVRI, established in 1924, has grown into a major research and training centre with additional institutions supporting veterinary research, animal production and laboratory technology.
Plang assured the management that the Senate Committee would continue to support the institutions through legislative interventions, budgetary appropriations and oversight functions.
He also promised to engage relevant stakeholders and community leaders in Plateau State to sustain the improved relationship between the institutions and their host community.
The senator further commended the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, traditional institutions and residents of Vom for their roles in resolving the disagreement.
He particularly acknowledged Governor Caleb Mutfwang for supporting efforts towards strengthening the institutions and ensuring a peaceful working environment.
Earlier, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Dr Dashe Yakubu Gunya, said the institution had achieved about 95 per cent peace following the crisis.
Gunya disclosed that the school had reopened and normal academic and administrative activities had resumed, attributing the progress to interventions by political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and the Federal Government.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for their handling of the situation, noting that the President’s decision to listen to the concerns raised by the community helped prevent further escalation.
According to him, the host community has maintained restraint throughout the disagreement, ensuring that no facilities were destroyed during the protest.
On the outstanding issues, Gunya explained that the remaining concerns largely bordered on demands for improved corporate social responsibility and greater attention to the needs of the host community.
He said the three institutions operating within the complex would work together to identify areas of intervention and mobilise resources to address some of the community’s demands.
Gunya expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would consolidate the gains made and move the institution towards achieving complete peace.
Also speaking, Professor Abdullahi Ahmed, Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, and Dr Chukwu O. Chukwu, Provost of the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, assured the senator that activities within their respective institutions were progressing peacefully.
