Plateau gets schools, roads, water boost as Mutfwang marks birthday

By GYANG BERE

In Plateau State, a leader with a compassionate heart and a clear focus on providing practical solutions to the daily challenges confronting the people has emerged in Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. The governor has consistently made it clear that he is not a conventional politician; rather, he views politics as a mission field – an opportunity to serve humanity and to change the stereotype that politics is a deceitful game, demonstrating instead that it is fundamentally about purposeful service.

Governor Mutfwang has remained a strong pillar and rallying point for the people—supporting school pupils, uplifting disadvantaged communities, mentoring young people, and providing political leadership that inspires many to serve God and humanity with sincerity and dedication.

Recently, Governor Mutfwang marked his 61st birthday – an occasion that reflects a life shaped by God’s grace and years of selfless service. Rather than celebrate with fanfare, the Governor chose to roll out impactful initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of the people and building a stronger future for Plateau State.

EDUCATION FOR ALL

Governor Mutfwang, a firm believer in the transformative power of education—especially at the primary level—has invested significantly in revitalizing the state’s education sector. His administration is committed to providing a conducive learning environment for pupils and students across communities, from primary to tertiary institutions.

Records indicate that no administration in Plateau State has made the level of investment in education achieved by Governor Mutfwang’s government within such a short period. This position was reaffirmed recently by respected academicians in the state who noted that since 1999, no governor has demonstrated the same deliberate and consistent commitment to strengthening the education sector as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

To commemorate his birthday, the governor flagged off the distribution of teaching and learning materials across the state to strengthen education and promote academic excellence. He reiterated his administration’s determination to restore confidence in public schools and improve learning outcomes.

The event also featured the commissioning and inspection of a newly constructed administrative office block, as well as the decoration of pupils who brought honour to Plateau State at the National Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition held in Bauchi.

According to the Governor: “We made up our minds from the onset that we must get public education right. If public education is not right, we cannot claim that education is right.”

He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms in infrastructure development, teacher welfare, training, and the provision of instructional materials would restore Plateau State’s reputation as a hub for quality education.

Governor Mutfwang inherited a near-collapsed educational system. Rather than dwell on blame, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. His administration cleared the state’s counterpart funding for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, enabling Plateau State to access grants from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). This intervention has significantly bridged infrastructural gaps in the Universal Basic Education system and improved access to quality learning environments.

Through his visionary leadership and deliberate policy direction, the narrative of challenges in the education sector is steadily changing. Today, the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) prides itself as one of the most up-to-date in counterpart funding compliance.

With the funds accessed, the state has constructed 397 classrooms, renovated 557 classrooms, provided 33 motorized boreholes, and distributed over 33,685 sets of furniture, including plastic chairs and desks for pupils since 2024.

For 2026, the administration has projected the construction of 68 new classrooms, the renovation of 313 classrooms, and the drilling of 20 additional boreholes across the three senatorial districts.

To further support less privileged pupils, the Governor distributed 143,931 textbooks, 6,675 pairs of sandals, 6,675 dozens of pencils, 6,675 school bags, and 6,675 exercise books.

“I want to pledge to the people of Plateau State that, by the grace of God, by the time we exit office, public schools will once again become the schools of first choice for parents,” the Governor affirmed.

WATER FOR LIFE

As part of efforts to ensure access to clean water and promote good hygiene, Governor Mutfwang has also prioritized the revitalization of water infrastructure across the state.

During the activities marking his birthday, the Governor commissioned the rehabilitated Yelwa Water Treatment Plant, describing it as a significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to providing clean and reliable water to residents of Bukuru, Gyel, and surrounding communities.

The commissioning ceremony was marked by jubilation, especially among women in the community who often bear the burden of sourcing water for their households.

“There is no better gift on my birthday than making people happy. The joy on the faces of the women says it all,” the Governor remarked.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized that although Plateau State is blessed with abundant water resources, the real challenge lies in treatment and distribution. He stressed that proper maintenance of water facilities is crucial, warning that negligence in water management could pose serious risks to public health.

In furtherance of efforts to strengthen water infrastructure, the Governor also signed a contract worth over ₦28 billion with Chinese firms China Geo-Engineering Corporation and Shanxi Construction Investment Group.

The project, financed through a loan from the French Development Agency, will rehabilitate and expand key water treatment facilities and distribution networks to address longstanding water supply challenges.

Governor Mutfwang explained that the initiative will significantly boost water supply within the Jos metropolis while modernizing aging infrastructure dating back to the 1970s.

“The turbines at Laminga Dam were installed around 1973 or 1974 and have broken down several times, consuming a lot of energy. This project will also replace old and damaged pipes across the city to improve water quality and operational efficiency,” he explained.

The project is expected to strengthen water supply systems, improve service delivery, and ensure sustainable access to safe water for residents.

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

In another major development, Governor Mutfwang flagged off the construction of a 17-kilometre strategic road network linking Haske Gwafan and Kwanga A & B communities across Jos East, Jos North, and Jos South Local Government Areas.

The project will also connect key institutions including Zion High School, Marysol Hospital, and Omega School, among others.

Governor Mutfwang described the project as more than just road construction, noting that it represents a deliberate effort to strengthen unity and improve the quality of life across the Jos metropolis.

“By the time this road is completed, nobody will notice the boundary between Jos East, Jos North, and Jos South. It is not just about constructing roads; it is about uniting our people, uplifting communities, and making life better for our citizens,” he said.

STRENGTHENING TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS

As part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance community leadership, Governor Mutfwang also presented SUV vehicles to first-class traditional rulers in the state.

The gesture underscores the administration’s respect for traditional institutions and recognition of their vital role in governance and community stability.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that our traditional rulers are an integral part of the leadership structure of our society. They have been there from time immemorial, and even with modern systems of governance, their critical role as custodians of our communities remains indispensable,” the Governor stated.

Although some sections of the media have attempted to misrepresent the intention behind the donation of the vehicles, it is evident that Governor Mutfwang does not prioritize any segment of society above another. His administration continues to focus on education, infrastructure, and community development across the state.

Indeed, some circulating images of mud structures in rural communities have been wrongly portrayed as classrooms. These distortions, however, do not diminish the significant strides already made in improving educational infrastructure across Plateau State.

What remains clear is that Governor Mutfwang is determined to improve the living standards of Plateau citizens, restore hope, strengthen welfare, and lay a solid foundation for infrastructural development, peacebuilding, and economic progress across the state.

*Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State.

The Star