by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Long-serving ad-hoc staffs of the College of Education Gindiri and Plateau State Polytechnic, who sustained the institutions for several years, while earning very low stipends, between N6,000 and N15,000 have been compensated by the State Government.
While approving the compensation on Tuesday by the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the governor revealed that, the government suspended the previous recruitment after discovering that the ad-hoc workers were excluded from permanent appointments.
According to him, “Government discovered that none of them were given a permanent appointment, and it felt it was immoral, it was ungodly, it was wicked; and that’s why we decided that let’s suspend the entire exercise.
He stressed that, “Although, some individuals rushed to court, the issue was mainly about following proper recruitment procedures. They got judgment because not that what we did was wrong, but that it should have been done by the councils of the schools, which we had not yet.”
Governor Mutfwang assured 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.
While urging the staff of the institutions to remain committed to excellence, Gov Mutfwang assured them of ongoing government support, as the administration works to strengthen Plateau State’s education sector.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Higher Education in the state, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Pyam Gang, stated that, the gathering at Government House marked an important moment for the education sector, stressing that the governor’s support had boosted the morale of staff from both institutions.
According to her, 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.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, Hon. Hitler Joshua Pwajok, 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, 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.
Another speaker at the occasion, Mr. Josiah Sati, while responding on behalf the absorbed workers, 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 lives,” 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.