PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT PARTNERS UNIJOS TO EMPOWER NIGERIAN YOUTHS

Developing the Agricultural sector has been identified as a key strategy towards revamping the Nigerian economy through the creation of self-sustaining jobs for the Country’s teeming youths. That is why the Plateau State Government is prioritizing Agricultural and Rural Development through the Sustainable Economic Growth plan of its Three Pillar Policy.

State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Hosea Finangwai stated this during the commissioning of some newly completed projects at the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Polo Round About, Jos.

According to the Commissioner, the State Government would partner with the University of Jos to develop and implement a formidable action plan for the growth of the State’s Agricultural sector especially the Animal Health and Animal Breeding sub-sector.

Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Sebastian Maimako restated his administration’s commitment to continue to attract landmark projects to the institution. Professor Maimako described Students within the University system as key stakeholders hence the quest to make the environment more habitable for them to learn and undertake Research activities.

The Vice Chancellor commended the University’s Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Lami Lombin and her team for the remarkable transformation that has taken place in the Hospital and said the edifice can only be better appreciated if one takes into cognizance how derelict the place was before now.

A member of the University’s Governing Council, Dr (Mrs) Philemona Mutbam who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, said the visible transformation at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital was only an indication of what a woman can do when given a chance.

Dr Mutbam praised the Vice Chancellor, Professor Seddi Sebastian Maimako for creating the enabling environment for Staff and Students of the institution to excel by allowing them to exhibit their talent and competence.

Earlier, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Lami Lombin, explained that the goal of the Faculty is to train and groom Students with the skills and knowledge to not only be self-employed but employers of labour.

Professor Lombin ascribed the successes recorded so far to God’s grace as well as the discipline and ability of the Staff to sacrifice their time and resources. While giving a Power-Point presentation on the brief history of major units in the Hospital, Professor Lombin disclosed that most of the renovation work carried out and the equipment installed were through donations from public spirited individuals and groups.

Class Representative of the 600 Level Students and pioneer class of the Faculty, Onuche Shallom expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and his team, noting that their unfailing support had made it possible for him and his Course mates and future classes to enjoy the unique experience that their internship in the Hospital would provide rather than struggle for placement elsewhere outside the State.

Onuche believes it is the initiative of great minds like Professor Maimako and Professor Lombin that could have birthed the process they were now enjoying, explaining that the Students were only products of their foresight for which they would be greatly rewarded.

Facilities commissioned at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital included Emergency Treatment Room, Animal Holding Facility, Tunnel, X-ray Room, Zoetis Laboratory and Call Duty Room. Others were Alumni Hall, Theriogenology/Nutrition Laboratory, Teaching and Research Farm as well as Borehole for water Supply.

Signed:

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications