A group of academics across tertiary institutions in Plateau has urged support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group is operating under the aegis of “Plateau Academics for Mutfwang/Tinubu”.
Speaking at the event on Saturday in Jos, Augustine Azi, the coordinator of the group, said that the move aimed at galvanising support for Messrs Tinubu and Mutfwang come 2027.
Mr Azi said that the formation of the group was anchored on the conviction that good governance must be supported by informed voices, credible analysis and constructive engagement.
“Plateau has more than 20 federal, state and private tertiary institutions. Within these institutions are over 15,000 academics and approximately 350,000 students.
“This makes the academic community one of the most powerful centres of thought leadership and social influence in our state.
“It is therefore strategic and necessary that the academic community organises itself to participate meaningfully in the political and developmental direction of our state and nation.
“Our mission is not merely political endorsement, rather, the promotion of governance through intellectual advocacy, policy dialogue and evidence based evaluation of leadership,” he said.
According to Mr Azi, the group believes that the leadership style of Messrs Tinubu and Mutfwang presents an opportunity for continuity, stability and progressive reform.
Speaking, Lazarus Maigoro, the patron of the group, said that both Messrs Tinubu and Mutfwang have done well in uplifting the standard of education at the state and national levels.
Mr Maigoro, who is also the Provost, College of Education Gindri in Plateau, said that the signing of the 2009 agreement between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the federal government had demonstrated the deep commitment of the Tinubu administration towards a robust education sector.
Mr Maigoro particularly commended Mr Mutfwang for his deep commitment towards repositioning the education sector in Plateau.
“At the national level, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated commitment to education by signing the 2009 agreement between government and ASUU.
“Welfare packages of lecturers have been seriously reviewed, so much so that now, if you are a staff of university and you are given an appointment, you will look twice before accepting it.
“By participating in the process, we will also be part of the decision making; and that’s the point.
“By doing so, we’ll make the work better; we’ll make our institutions better. We’ll make our state and country better,” he said.
Corroborating Mr Maigoro, Jimam Lar, the Southern Zone coordinator of the group, commended Mr Mutfwang for his deep commitment towards the growth of education in the state.
“Check the records, since 1999, no governor in Plateau has been deliberate about tertiary education like Mutfwang.
“Same goes to President Bola Tinubu.
“This is our constituency, and therefore we have to articulate this at all times,” he said.
Speaking, Jeremiah Satmak, the chief of staff to Mr Mutfwang, commended members of the group for supporting the re-election bid of the governor and the president.
Mr Satmak, who said that the governor had improved all critical sectors in the state, added that the current administration deserved a second term in order to consolidate.
The chief of staff promised that the governor would support the group to achieve its core mandate.
(NAN)
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