Plateau Governor Encourages Students to Shun Social Vices, Rewards Academic Excellence
The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called on students across the state to steer clear of social vices and remain focused on their studies as a key to achieving success in life.
Governor Mutfwang made this appeal during a reception at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, where he welcomed winners of the E-Debate and Bible Recitation competitions. The event also featured the presentation of a trophy won by Plateau students at the National Engineering Competition, organized by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
Expressing his admiration for the students’ remarkable achievements, the Governor announced full sponsorship for Jacob Ndam, a student of Government Model Secondary School, Shendam, to pursue his university education.
“Congratulations! You have made us immensely proud. We are honored to call you our children and representatives of Plateau. Whether or not your parents are originally from Plateau, you are now part of us and entitled to every privilege given to Plateau indigenes,” the Governor remarked.
He commended the students for their hard work and dedication, which had brought them this far. He further expressed appreciation for the efforts of Girls High School, Gindiri, which had rekindled interest in intellectually engaging competitions, such as debates and quizzes. He stressed the need to revive such programs across secondary schools and explore creative ways to engage the youth productively.
Governor Mutfwang also urged students to use social media responsibly, grow in wisdom, and prioritize activities that would ensure a brighter future. He hinted at upcoming initiatives designed to enhance youth engagement and development in Plateau State.
Leading the delegation of outstanding students was the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mohammed Nyalum. The contingent presented trophies from their successes in the Bible Recitation, E-Debate, and COREN National Engineering competitions to the Governor.
The Bible Recitation competition was clinched by Girls High School, Gindiri, while Tamaral Fair View School, Jos, claimed the National Engineering Competition trophy. The E-Debate Competition saw a collaborative victory by students from Government Model Secondary School, Shendam, and Saint Augustine College, Du.
Among the notable students was Jacob Ndam, who excelled in the E-Debate competition despite facing financial challenges that had earlier forced him out of school. His participation in the national contest was a turning point, and his exceptional performance did not go unnoticed by the Governor.
In recognition of their accomplishments, Governor Mutfwang rewarded each student with laptops and tablets, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education. He also expressed a keen interest in meeting the Plateau indigene male student who recently emerged as WAEC’s overall best.
Commissioner Nyalum praised the students and their tutors for their dedication, attributing their success to the government’s ongoing investment in education. He reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to make education a cornerstone of the state’s development agenda.
