THE Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos, Professor Matur Malau Bernard, has, together with his management, begun consultations with Foretaste Global Schools Project. It is a non governmental organisation that specialises in sourcing funds for the development of infrastructure in tertiary institutions.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the PLASU Public Relations Officer (PRO), John K. Agam, and made available to SUNDAY STANDARD in Jos, the State capital recently.
The statement disclosed that, “In its quest to grow both the academic and infrastructural profile of Plateau State University, Bokkos, the Professor Matur Malau Bernard’s led management has begun consultations with Foretaste Global Schools Project, an organisation which specialises in sourcing funds for the development of infrastructure in tertiary institutions.
“We want to commend you for showing interest in the growth of the university through the provision of infrastructure and renewable energy that will help propel growth and development in the university. Development comes to fruition from visionary ideas and our management is disposed to entering into rewarding partnerships that will move the university forward.
“The university will connect and dialogue with key stakeholders in the Governing Council of the institution as well as the State Government on feasibility and desirability of such an arrangement in view of the gains the university stands to benefit”, he enthused.
According to the statement, the Vice Chancellor’s show of particular interest was in the Solar Farm Project which would help resolve problems of power supply to the university, considering the commitment of his management to meeting its ICT needs.
Speaking earlier, leader of Foretaste Global Schools Project, Mr. Carl Itaman, said the organisation was in the university to solicit for partnership in the development of solar system in hostels and staff accommodations as well as solar farm.
He said, “the preference for renewable energy powering the buildings and infrastructure is a global prerequisite most countries yearn for because of its unmatched, unequalled and unparalleled benefits. There are local and international firms or companies that are ready to provide funding for such projects through direct loans to be recouped over time”.
Itaman disclosed that preliminary funding plans have already been made for the partnerships to be perfected when a memorandum of understanding was entered into, appealing to the university management to give the organisation an opportunity to participate in the growth of the university.
He, however, listed poor housing conditions, lack of recreational facilities and other environmental factors such as good drinking water and security that have been identified as factors impeding good performance by students.
Other members of management that flagged the VC included, the Director of Works and the Dean Students Affairs who commended the initiative. He described it as a timely framework, but made observations on the mode of funding.
