Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has approved compensation for long-serving ad hoc staff of the College of Education Gindiri and Plateau State Polytechnic who sustained the institutions for several years while earning very low stipends.
He said the government suspended the previous recruitment after discovering that the ad hoc workers were excluded from permanent appointments. “We discovered that none of you was given a permanent appointment. And we felt it was immoral, it was ungodly, it was wicked, and that’s why we decided that let’s suspend the entire exercise.”
The Governor explained that although some individuals rushed to court, the issue was mainly about following proper recruitment procedures. “They got judgement because not that what we did was wrong, that it should have been done by the councils of the schools, which we had not yet.”
He noted that once the governing councils were inaugurated, all records were reviewed, and a help desk was created at the Ministry of Education to address complaints from the affected staff.
According to him, the government has now approved compensation for those who worked for years earning between ₦6,000 and ₦15,000, describing their endurance as commendable and deserving of appreciation.
Governor Mutfwang urged the staff of both institutions to remain committed to excellence, assuring them of ongoing government support as the administration works to strengthen Plateau State’s education sector.
Earlier, Plateau State Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Pyam Gang, said the gathering at Government House marked an important moment for the education sector, noting that the Governor’s support had boosted the morale of staff from both institutions.
She added that the interaction would deepen collaboration between the government and the schools, and assured that the workers were ready to return with renewed commitment to strengthen their institutions.
Hon. Hitler Joshua Pwajok, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, praised Governor Mutfwang for absorbing the young workers into the state workforce, saying the decision had given many youths and their families a new sense of stability and hope.
He assured the Governor that the beneficiaries would uphold efficiency and productivity, noting that the intervention had created a strong foundation for future generations. Pwajok described the Governor as a role model whose commitment to fairness would continue to inspire the youths of the state.
Also Speaking, Special Adviser on Workers Welfare and Corporate, Hon. Titus Alams, Hon. Titus Alams, Special Adviser on Workers Welfare and Corporate, praised Governor Mutfwang for improving working conditions for civil servants and prioritizing education as a foundation for the state’s development.
He urged staff to work diligently and make the most of the opportunities provided, emphasizing that their commitment would ensure the government’s interventions benefit both the institutions and the wider community.
Speaking on behalf of the absorbed workers, Mr. Josiah Sati praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for addressing their long-standing grievances. He described the day as “the happiest day so far of the half of our life,” noting that for 22 years their cries had gone unheard until the Governor intervened.
He expressed deep gratitude, saying the Governor’s actions had restored hope and justice to their lives. Mr. Sati also encouraged fellow staff to remain motivated, assuring that they would uphold the Governor’s legacy and support one another in their personal and professional growth.
