Federal Government Inaugurates Newly Upgraded Federal University of Education, Pankshin in Plateau State
The Federal Government has inaugurated the upgraded Federal University of Education, Pankshin, in Plateau State, transforming it from a college to a university of education. This change was approved in 2022 through a Bill sponsored by Mr. Yusuf Gagdi, which was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the upgraded Federal University of Education, Pankshin, located in Plateau State. This significant transformation from a college to a university of education was approved in 2022 following a Bill sponsored by Mr. Yusuf Gagdi, the representative for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency. The Bill received approval from the National Assembly and was subsequently assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During the inauguration, Dr. Cecilia Ubah, who led the Assessment Committee to the institution, emphasized the upgrade as “a step in the right direction.” As the Director of Colleges of Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Ubah expressed optimism that the new university would serve as a hub for innovations in education.
The assessment team, comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), was tasked with evaluating existing facilities to provide the government with reliable information for the successful establishment of the university.
Dr. Ubah stated, “We are here to unveil the upgraded college of education to a federal university of education and to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing facilities.” She highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements and additional manpower to ensure the institution can compete effectively with other universities across the nation.
Dr. Funsho Olumoko, Chairman of the Governing Council, thanked the federal government for the upgrade, asserting that the transition would significantly enhance teaching and learning. He urged the local community to safeguard the existing and future facilities of the university and called for a focus on quality teaching and research to address societal challenges.
Mr. Gagdi, the bill's sponsor, expressed gratitude to the federal government for facilitating the smooth transition from a college to a university, particularly appreciating President Bola Tinubu for approving a N10 billion matching grant through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support the new university.
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Mr. Gabriel Dewan, the Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, assured that the state government would provide comprehensive support for the institution's advancement in education.
The Federal University of Education, Pankshin, originally established in 1974 as an Advanced Teachers’ College, transitioned to a College of Education before its current elevation to a university of education.
