Plateau State University (PLASU) is setting its sights on becoming a powerhouse for sports in Nigeria through a new partnership with the professional football club, Plateau United FC. The collaboration aims to develop local talent, upgrade facilities, and attract major sporting events to the university campus in Bokkos.
During a courtesy visit from representatives of Plateau United FC on August 6th, PLASU Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, emphasized that the university’s temperate climate and high altitude make it an ideal location for professional training and tournaments.
“We want to make it conducive for sports lovers all over the country to access these opportunities at our university,” said Prof. Best.
A Joint Effort for Success
Leading the Plateau United FC delegation was Habila Hosea Mutla, the former General Manager now serving as the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Grassroots Soccer Development. Mutla presented the university with branded jerseys, marking the official start of the partnership.
Mutla also announced plans to organize a football tournament for all tertiary institutions in Plateau State. The goal is to scout for new talent and prepare local teams for national competitions. He also commended the university’s ongoing infrastructural improvements and encouraged the development of its football field to attract professional matches and generate revenue.
“Football is what I love, dream, and live,” Mutla stated, pledging his continued support for the sport’s growth at PLASU.
Investing in a Sporting Future
In his remarks, Prof. Best highlighted the university’s commitment to becoming the sports hub of the state. He mentioned several ongoing projects, including the grading of the football field to accommodate running tracks and the planned construction of volleyball and basketball courts, funded by Senator Diket Plang.
“We believe that one day, Plateau United and even the Super Eagles will be able to play their matches here at PLASU,” Prof. Best said. He called on other organizations, financial institutions, and individuals to follow Plateau United’s lead and invest in the university’s sporting infrastructure to enhance the social and recreational life of students and staff.
Agwom Yohanna, the Coach of the PLASU Sports Unit, praised the new collaboration, noting that it’s the first of its kind for the university.
“This gives hope to the young ones. If we are having this kind of collaboration, they see the prospects of becoming players in these clubs,” he said, and presented an award to the VC for his contributions to sports development and a souvenir of a branded track suit to Mr. Mutla.
This partnership comes just after the university’s staff secured a silver medal in a recent inter-university sports competition. With these new opportunities, PLASU is poised to win more accolades and achieve a significant return on its investment in sports.
Masara Kim
Acting Public Relations Officer
Plateau State University, Bokkos
