Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has commended the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for assenting to the bill seeking to upgrade the Federal College of Education, Pankshin in Plateau state to a University of Education.In a statement on Thursday, the Governor said that the signing of the bill further validates the position of Plateau State as a centre of learning in the North Central, Northern Nigeria, and indeed the nation at large.The statement which was signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, also expressed optimism that the creation of the University will further resolve the challenge of shortage of well-trained teachers in the country.
The statement read, “Plateau State Governor Simon Bako, Lalong is again excited with the emergence of another tertiary institution in Plateau State following the signing into law of the Bill for the upgrading of the Federal College of Education Pankshin into a University of Education by President Muhammadu Buhari.“The Bill which was passed by the National Assembly and sent to the President for assent provided for the upgrading of the existing Federal College of Education Pankshin into a University of Education.
“This is another cheering news for the Government and people of Plateau State who last year welcomed two private Universities and a Federal Polytechnic after approvals were granted by the Federal Government. “While reacting to the assent on the Bill for the Federal University of Education Pankshin, Governor Simon Lalong expressed deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his unquestionable love for Plateau State and his consistency in considering matters related to its progress and development.
”Lalong who specifically thanked the sponsor of the Bill Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanam, Kanke Federal Constituency for his doggedness in pursuing the bill and lobbying his colleagues, also praised all Federal legislators from Plateau State, the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, and Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, and all legislators for the various roles they played in ensuring that the law was passed and sent to the President for assent. The governor assured that the Plateau State Government will give every support to the Federal Government to ensure that the University takes off, adding that so far, the infrastructure available is good enough to give it a strong start.
Copyright PUNCH.
