Lecturers and non-academic staff from various tertiary institutions in Plateau State on Friday launched a platform to support the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang in 2027.
The platform, “Plateau Academics for Tinubu-Mutfwang 2027,” was inaugurated in Jos, drawing members from over 20 federal, state, and private tertiary institutions across the state.
The State Coordinator of the platform and Head of Department of Social Science Education at the University of Jos, Associate Professor Augustine Azi, said the academic community is organising itself to participate meaningfully in the political and developmental direction of the state and nation.
“We occupy a unique position in society. Our voices carry influence, our ideas shape policy discussions, and our actions often inspire communities far beyond the walls of our institutions.
“Plateau State is home to more than 20 federal, state, and private tertiary institutions. Within these institutions, there are over 15,000 academic staff, more than 30,000 non-teaching staff, and approximately 350,000 students.
“This makes the academic community one of the most powerful centres of leadership and social influence in our state. It is therefore both strategic and necessary that the academic community organises itself to participate meaningfully in the political and developmental direction of our state and nation,” Azi said.
He added, “The formation of Plateau Academics for Tinubu-Mutfwang 2027 is anchored on the conviction that governance must be supported by informed voices, credible analysis, and constructive engagement. Our mission is not merely a political endorsement. Rather, it is the promotion of governance through intellectual advocacy, policy dialogue, and evidence-based evaluation of leadership.
“We believe that the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents an opportunity for stability and progressive reforms. As academic and non-academic staff, our engagement must reflect the core values of scholarship. Our platform will therefore be policy-focused, reform-driven, development-oriented, and grounded in credibility. We intend to demonstrate that support for leadership can be thoughtful, analytical, and guided by evidence rather than sentiment.”
The Provost of the College of Education, Gindiri, and patron of the platform, Prof. Lazarus Maigoro, praised Mutfwang’s commitment to tertiary education, citing the approval of funds for accreditation and the absorption of ad-hoc staff.
“We feel that with all these positive developments happening at the state and national levels, why can’t we also participate in mobilising support to enable them to continue the good work?” Maigoro asked.
Chief of Staff to the Governor of Plateau State, Jeremiah Satmark, described the initiative as “good and encouraging,” noting that the academics’ support reflects an endorsement of the governor’s efforts.
“We have wonderful days ahead because His Excellency has been pursuing a lot of developmental projects,” Satmark said.
The platform aims to promote governance through intellectual advocacy, policy dialogue, and evidence-based evaluation of leadership, ensuring that political support aligns with informed and constructive participation.
