Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutafwang has sponsored 200 students to India under the newly launched Mutafwang Legacy Scholarship Scheme, one of the largest overseas education interventions in the history of the state.
The beneficiaries, who studied medical sciences, engineering and information and communication technology, were formally sent off on Tuesday at a ceremony held in Jos, ahead of their entry into Sankaram University in India.
Governor Mutafwang described the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development, emphasizing that the selection process was transparent and free from political influence.
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The Governor said, “This process was not manipulated or influenced in any way. All those selected are here because of hard work and excellence.” He said Sanskaram University independently monitored the screening exercise.
He emphasized that the beneficiaries have emerged on the basis of merit, without political, institutional or quota related considerations and stressed that excellence is the only criterion.
Mutafwang said, “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 completely merit-based process.”
The Governor urged the students to conduct themselves with discipline and integrity and reminded them that they are ambassadors of Plateau State.
He told the departing scholars, “What God is giving you through us are wings to fly. Dedicate yourself to excellence, because the future of Plateau State and Nigeria will depend on you.”
Mutafwang also revealed that his administration had introduced new education-sector reforms in the 2026 budget, including a special research fund for Plateau indigenous people in tertiary institutions, expansion of postgraduate programs at Plateau State University and increased support for master's and PhD research.
Earlier, Plateau State Education Commissioner Kacholom Pyam Gang had described the scholarship scheme as a historic milestone, noting that no previous administration had sponsored more than 200 students abroad at one time. Plateau State Scholarship Board Acting Executive Secretary Nankus Adams Ngwalang also expressed the same view.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Fabong Adanchin lauded the Governor's commitment to merit-based governance, saying, “I did not support you in the last election, but good leadership won me over. My son is going to India purely on merit.”
Traditional and religious leaders at the event urged the students to return with skills that will advance the development and unity of Plateau State.
