Isiyaku Ahmed
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has pledged his support for the proposed Lutheran University Nigeria (LUN) in Demsa, Adamawa State, describing the institution as a major investment in education and human capital development.
Mutfwang committed on Friday at the dedication of the university’s proposed Library and Administrative Complex in Demsa.
According to a statement issued by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Mytfwang, the event was part of activities marking the 70th birthday of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Mutfwang disclosed in a statement.
The governor commended Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for what he described as exemplary leadership and commitment to unity, equity, fairness and justice.
He urged the people of Adamawa to continue supporting Fintiri, stressing that unity was essential to achieving sustainable development and collective prosperity.
“Divisions never bring profit; divisions never bring value. It is when we are united together that we can accomplish the dreams for which our forefathers fought and for which we are continuing to fight,” Mutfwang said.
He congratulated the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) on the proposed university, describing it as another milestone in the church’s contribution to education and national development.
Mutfwang noted that the initiative was consistent with the tradition of churches within the TEKAN family of establishing universities and other institutions aimed at expanding access to quality education and developing human capacity.
The governor also highlighted the historic contributions of Christian missionaries to education and healthcare in Nigeria, noting that their interventions helped shape generations of Nigerians and produced leaders across religious, ethnic and geographical divides.
He disclosed that he was a beneficiary of missionary education at Gindiri in Plateau State, saying the education provided a strong foundation for many Nigerians who later contributed significantly to the country’s development.
According to him, the proposed Lutheran University could similarly provide opportunities for Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to access quality education and acquire skills needed to contribute to national development.
Mutfwang further stressed the importance of education to national progress and renewed his call for comprehensive reforms of the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria to ensure children have sustainable access to education, skills and opportunities.
He also called on church leaders and other stakeholders to promote unity, arguing that many societal divisions were driven by personal interests, ego and narrow considerations rather than genuine differences in values or principles.
The governor said overcoming such differences would enable leaders and citizens to build stronger relationships and pursue common developmental goals.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fintiri welcomed Mutfwang on behalf of the Adamawa State Government, people and the church, commending his longstanding friendship with the people of the state.
Fintiri said Mutfwang’s decision to attend the event despite the short notice demonstrated his commitment to education and human capital development.
He expressed hope that the university, when completed, would produce graduates who are academically competent, morally grounded and intellectually equipped to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
The Adamawa governor also commended Boss Mustapha for investing in education and human development, describing the initiative as evidence of his vision and commitment to future generations.
In his remarks, Mustapha said his investment in education was partly a tribute to the legacy of his late father, who was a headmaster and had a strong passion for education.
He said his father believed in the transformative power of education and invested in developing young minds for the advancement of society.
Mustapha explained that the proposed institution was inspired by his desire to contribute to the development of future generations and strengthen Nigeria’s educational foundation.
Mutfwang, while praying for the successful completion and take-off of the university, expressed hope that it would become a centre of academic excellence, moral formation, innovation and human capital development.
He said the institution had the potential to produce generations of leaders who would contribute to peace, unity and national development.
Among those who accompanied the governor to the event were Rev. Dr. Obed Dashan; the Rt. Revd. Stanley David Fube; former Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker and former House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Go’ar; Air Vice Marshal Sen. Napolong Bali; former Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ari; Arc. Maurice Mutfwang; and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.
