Mutfwang Flags Off Scholarship Scheme, Sends 200 Plateau Students to India

Yemi Kosoko in Jos

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has dispatched 200 students to India under the newly launched Mutfwang Legacy Scholarship Scheme, marking one of the state’s largest foreign education interventions in recent history.

The beneficiaries, selected for degree programmes in Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Sanskaram University, were formally sent off on Tuesday during a ceremony in Jos.

Governor Mutfwang described the initiative as a “strategic, merit driven investment in human capital development”, insisting the selection process was transparent and devoid of political influence.

“This process was not manipulated or influenced in any way. Everyone selected is here because of hard work and excellence,” he said, noting that Sanskaram University independently supervised the screening.

He stressed the first batch was devoid of any interference or interest from political, institutional, or quota considerations to reinforce meritocracy.

“We did not allocate slots to politicians, local governments, or institutions. Plateau has some of the brightest minds in this country, and we insisted on a purely merit based process,” the governor added.

Addressing the departing scholars, Mutfwang urged them to be disciplined, morally upright, and academically focused as ambassadors of Plateau State.

“What God is giving you through us are wings to fly. Devote yourselves to excellence, because the future of Plateau State and Nigeria will depend on you,” he told them.

The governor also revealed new education-sector reforms captured in the 2026 budget, including: a special research fund for Plateau indigenes in tertiary institutions; expanded postgraduate programmes at Plateau State University and increased support for Master’s and PhD research programmes.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building “a new Plateau where no one is left behind and where religion or ethnicity will not hold us back.”

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Kachollom Pyam Gang, hailed the scheme as a historic milestone, noting that no previous administration had sponsored as many as 200 students abroad at once.

Acting Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Scholarship Board, Nankus Adams Ngwalang, described the programme as the board’s most impactful intervention to date, citing increased bursaries and expanded scholarship opportunities under the current administration.

A parent representative, Mr. Fabong Adanchin, praised the governor’s commitment to meritocracy.

“I did not support you in the last election, but good leadership won me over. My son is going to India purely on merit,” he said.

Traditional and religious leaders present at the ceremony urged the students to return with knowledge and contribute to the state’s development, emphasizing unity among the diverse group of beneficiaries.