The Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, Professor Yohana Daniel Izam says the University has introduced the “equality criteria ratio” in its admission policy to cater for the needs of the University’s catchment areas.

Professor Izam disclosed this while interfacing with the Plateau State House of Assembly Committee on Education led by its Chairman, Hon. Eric Pianlat Dakogol who were in the University on an oversight function.

Professor Izam stated however, that merit will never be compromised in admitting qualified students and the recruitment of staff, who must possess the requisite teaching qualifications.

Professor Izam said beyond the equality criteria ratio, some disadvantaged local governments, often draw the attention of the admission committee.

According to Izam, since he assumed duties he has strived to provide opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds since the University is a multi-cultural community adding that the institution under his leadership will continue to improve on existing facilities and in ensuring academic competitiveness.

He commended Governor Simon Bako Lalong for providing the necessary support and funding which has facilitated both the accreditation of programmes and the improvement of facilities in the University.

Izam revealed that currently 11 major projects were ongoing in the University attributing this to the diplomatic shuttles of the Governor and the management of the university which has paid off with interventions from funding partners particularly, TETFund and NEEDS Assessment.

As a result of this, he maintained that a Senate building of the University will soon be added to the list of ongoing projects in the University.

The Vice Chancellor also commended the state Government for the budgetary provision of N50 million as Covid 19 Response Fund which the University hopes to prudently applyin the provision of safety measures to combat the Covid 19 pandemic, saying a refuse collection vehicle, incinerators, hand sanitizers and other safety facilities and equipment have been acquired and will be put to use by the University.

On the resumption of academic activities, Professor Izam said the University management and other tertiary institutions in the state are in dialogue with the Ministry of Higher Education towards finding an appropriate resumption date but regretted that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is currently on a nationwide strike.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Eric Pianlat Dakogol said the committee was in the University to familiarize and acquaint itself with both the management and the challenges the University is facing with a view to finding solutions to them.