Plateau State University Bokkos has acknowledged government’s existing support and appealed for further interventions to address critical needs affecting staff and students. Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Best expressed gratitude for the regular remittances of statutory financial obligations by local government councils to the university during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
However, Professor Best emphasized the need for urgent assistance in four key areas:
– Water and Electricity Infrastructure: The university relies on boreholes for water supply, which is insufficient for the campus.
– Staff and Student Housing: The lack of staff housing has resulted in employees living off-campus, while over 95% of students also reside off-campus, making them vulnerable to security threats.
– Security: The university’s surrounding areas face various security threats, including kidnapping cases.
– Transportation: The majority of staff commute daily from Jos and Bukuru, and the university has requested assistance with vehicles to ease movement.
According to the law establishing the university, the 17 local governments in the state are co-owners and co-funders of the university. The university has appealed to the Governor of Plateau State to address these issues, particularly in light of the impact of the subsidy removal on transportation costs.
“Right now, we face challenges with water supply, relying on boreholes that cannot adequately cater to the campus’ needs,” Professor Best stated on January 9.
“Another pressing issue is staff housing. Since it was not developed as part of the university, our employees are forced to live off-campus or in surrounding areas,” Prof. Best added. 
He went on: “Security is also a significant concern, as the university’s vicinity is plagued by various threats. Sometimes, these threats escalate, affecting us directly, as seen in the December 2023 attacks on nearby communities.”
“Fortunately, we have avoided such incidents on campus, but with over 95% of our students living off-campus due to underdeveloped hostels, they become vulnerable to security risks.”
“Lastly, transportation is a major concern. Our staff commute daily from Jos and Bukuru, and we have previously requested assistance with vehicles to facilitate movement.”
“I believe that, together with the Governor of Plateau State, we can address these challenges. We also appeal to the Governor to extend transportation improvements beyond the Jos Bukuru urban center to areas like Barkin Ladi and Bokkos, benefiting our staff and students who reside in these areas and helping reduce transportation costs affected by the subsidy removal.”

In response, Plateau State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ephraim Usman and Kemi Nshe, representative of the 17 local government chairmen, assured the university of heightened support. Commissioner Usman pledged to mobilize public and private interventions, while Mr. Nshe emphasized the shared interest of the 17 local governments in the university, highlighting the critical role of education in societal development.
The university looks forward to collaborative efforts with the government to address its pressing needs and ensure a conducive learning environment for its students.
Masara Kim 
Acting Public Relations Officer
Plateau State University Bokkos