The Senate of Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, has approved the establishment of new programs in the university. This decision came at the climax of the 88th (Regular) meeting of the Senate where several key resolutions were made regarding the university's advancement.

Among the significant resolutions was the approval to establish new programs leading to Bachelor’s degrees in *Medicine (MBBS)*, *Pharmacy (Pharm. D.)*, and *Statistics (B. Sc)*. This initiative aims to expand the faculties of Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Sciences, building on the successful launch of programs under the Faculty of Health Sciences, which began in 2017.

 Chairman of the Senate and Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Best, emphasized that the move is part of ongoing efforts to fully establish medical and health science programs at the university. He revealed that discussions have already begun with the National Universities Commission (NUC), which has expressed strong interest in the proposal.

“The NUC responded positively to our request and is eager for us to commence these programs sooner than we initially proposed,” Prof. Best stated, adding that the NUC is prepared to send a resource verification team to the university for this purpose.

Also as part of the  approval for  the continuation of the establishment process included the formation of a technical and administrative committee to oversee the initiative.

The Senate reiterated its earlier approval of the cut-off mark of 160. However, the chairman noted that departments offering specialized programs are permitted to establish their own admission standards. He encouraged a unified approach to the minimum cut-off mark ahead of the upcoming admissions for the *2024/2025 academic session*. Departments that have submitted their proposed cut-off marks include:
- *Nursing* - 215
- *Medical Lab Science* - 200
- *Public Health* - 180
- *Law* - 200
- *Psychology* - 180

The 88th Senate also approved the academic calendar for the *2024/2025 academic session*, which will commence with the first semester from *October 21, 2024*, to *April 24, 2025*. The second semester will run from *April 2, 2025*, to *September 18, 2025*.

With regard to examinations, the Senate approved the timetable for the second-semester exams, marking the conclusion of the *2022/2023 academic session*. Examinations are scheduled to take place from *September 2 to September 18*, with a national holiday anticipated on *September 16*.

Other matters discussed included approvals for infrastructural projects funded by the *Tertiary Education Trust Fund alongside addressing staff welfare matters, as well as sanctions for students found guilty of examination malpractice, and a proposed review of the rules governing such malpractice.

Professor Best expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the senators and staff for their unwavering dedication, which ensured the smooth operation of the university during his medical leave.