X-raying Prof. Best’s Stewardship of PLASU
By Roland Longs
Since assuming office as Acting Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, on February 12, 2024 – following his appointment on February 6 2024, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best has demonstrated focused, determined and exemplary leadership. His priorities have been clear: to ensure the resumption of academic activities, improve infrastructure and enhance the overall university environment.
Resumption of academic activities
One of Professor Best’s first achievements was the constructive engagement with the academic staff union leadership, leading to the swift resumption of academic activities within 12 days. This marked a significant breakthrough, considering the industrial action that had lingered for almost three months. The payment of accrued allowances to ASUU, NASU, SSANU and other sister unions, some dating back nearly three years, was hailed as a dream come true for the unions’ members.
Infrastructural development
A key area of focus has been infrastructure development. As a pragmatic leader, Professor Best undertook a detailed facility inspection and categorised identified needs into short-term, medium-term and long-term interventions. His tenure saw the arrival of an inspection term from TETFund to assess the perimeter fencing project. Under his watch, a 2.455km perimeter fence was constructed to enhance security for staff and students.
The University has also witnessed several other improvements, including the Department of Mass Communication: Construction of the department’s building is underway, facilitated under TETFund sponsorship and closely supervised by the university management.
Renovation of social sciences structure: The building was fully renovated and handed over courtesy of TETFund.
Girls’ hostels: A 192-capacity hostel was completed and handed over.
Entrance gate rebranding: A new signature entrance and exit gate have been built.
Lady Justitia Statue: A prominent statue now stands at the Faculty of Law, described as one of the biggest and finest in the country.
Staff and student transportation: The Acting Vice Chancellor prioritised the welfare of staff and students through the daily maintenance of buses operating between Jos, Bokkos, and the university.
Boys’ hostel: A storey building is currently under construction.
Career centre: The building was renovated, furnished, and equipped. Professor Best first introduced the career service centre at PLASU.
Procurement of tractors: Two tractors were purchased. One is for the Department of Agriculture and the other is for the Directorate of Works and Physical Facilities.
Refurbishment of lecture halls: Furniture across lecture halls and theatres was refurbished.
Faculty of Law upgrade: The faculty was furnished and equipped to meet the requirements of the National Council for Legal Education.
Security
Professor Best has also addressed security with utmost seriousness. He engaged the Plateau State Command, leading to a visit by the Commissioner of Police, COMPOL Emmanuel Adesina, and the establishment of a police outpost within the campus. There has also been close collaboration with the leadership of ‘Operation Safe Haven’, resulting in 24/7 surveillance of the PLASU community.
Journals, Publications
Recognising the importance of publications to university visibility, Professor Best took deliberate steps to promote research and journal publications in both hard copy and online formats. Faculties now host their publications on their websites, and TETFund-sponsored academic journals are being used to publish lectures’ manuscripts.
Stakeholder engagement
The Acting VC embarked on familiarisation visits to key stakeholders, including the leadership of Bokkos Local Government Council, Bokkos Traditional Council and the host Butura Traditional Council. These engagements have strengthened the university’s Town-Gown relationship.
Academic excellence
Professor Best’s vision for PLASU is to become a global centre for teaching and research. Steps taken toward achieving the goal include:
Technical Advisory Committees: Committees chaired by Professor Yiltok and Professor Ochekpe have been established to commence MBBS and Pharmaceutical Sciences programmes. Reports have been submitted, and both programmes are set to begin in November 2025. A partnership has also been initiated with a German university to strengthen the College of Medicine.
Academic and professional bodies: PLASU has hosted several bodies, including the Council on Legal Education, NUC verification teams and the Nursing Council, amongst others.
Career Service Centre
The creation of a Career Service Centre is one of Pro. Best’s legacies. It aims to guide students toward purposeful careers and ensure their employability in the labour market.
International collaboration
To boost agricultural research, a partnership has been established with Michigan State University.
Under the transformative leadership of Prof. S.G Best, Plateau State University, Bokkos, is charting a new course towards greatness. His commitment to academic excellence, infrastructural growth and stakeholder engagement continues to redefine university leadership in Nigeria.
Longs is a Jos-based broadcast journalist.
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