Plateau chairmen give over N2m cash grants to Pankshin varsity students

By Emmanuel Yatai

August, 14, 2026

The chairmen of Mangu, Bokkos, Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam local government arras ( LGAs), have given N2,650,000 cash grants to some graduating students of the Federal University of Education Pankshin (FUEP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the beneficiaries are students of the Department of Fine and Creative Arts, who made sculptures.

Hon. Felix Gonung, the Chairman, Pankshin Local Government Area made the pledge on behalf of the five chairmen present at the unveiling of the sculptures on Thursday at the university.

“In order to appreciate, support, and encourage these graduating students for the beautiful arts work at the university, we decided to make cash donation to them.

“For beautifying this institution, we are donating N2,650,000 cash grants to 53 students who participated in erecting these sculptures,” he explained.

Gonung said what they did was just the beginning, as more were on the way to support raw talents and the university’s vision.

In his remark, Prof. Noel Wannang, Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of the university, commended the Department of Fine and Creative Art for adding beauty to the insititution with their artwork.

“This university was known for the beautification of sculptures; however, environmental deterioration and human degradation could not allow that to survive.

“The institution is known in the entire country for the talents and skills of people in fine art, we will revive the spirit and take back our place,” Wannang said.

The vice chancellor lauded the chairmen for their support and generosity towards the students. He also appreciated the university management for keeping the vision alive.

Prof. Mamman Jatau, Head of Department, Fine and Creative Art, said the project was made possible through the generosity and benevolence of Wannang and his management team.

“While books teach us what to think, sculptures reminds us what to feel; they inspire creativity, provoke thoughts, and stand as a salient mentor to all and sundry.

“This is my own way of contributing to the financial independence of these youths, it is my own way of attracting financial donors to the university,” Jatau said.

According to him, those in technical and vocational education do not look for jobs, they create them using their skills and experience.

NAN reports that the V-C also commissioned the renovated Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) centre and charged them to take good care of the facility.
(NAN)