Overview and History of Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU)

 
##Introduction
Established in 2005, Plateau State University (PLASU) is a public institution located in Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The university has experienced significant developments since its inception, including periods of closure and reopening, and is currently under the leadership of Professor Shedrack Best, appointed as Vice-Chancellor in February 2024. 

##Establishment and Initial Challenges
PLASU was officially recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on April 29, 2005, as the 66th university in Nigeria and the 24th state-owned university. The university commenced academic activities in May 2007 with an initial enrollment of 480 students. However, operations were suspended in September 2007, leading to the temporary transfer of students to the University of Jos. 

##Reopening and Accreditation
The institution reopened in October 2010 for the 2010/2011 academic session, with lectures resuming in January 2011. In March 2016, the NUC granted full accreditation to 17 of PLASU's programs, elevating the university to full operational status. 

##Campus Location and Facilities
PLASU is situated in Diram Village along the Butura-Tarangol axis in Bokkos Local Government Area, approximately 70 kilometers from Jos, the capital of Plateau State. The campus spans an area of 1,682 square kilometers and includes facilities such as lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and administrative buildings. 

##Academic Structure
The university offers undergraduate programs across four main faculties:

Faculty of Arts: Includes departments such as Languages and History.

Faculty of Social Sciences: Encompasses disciplines like Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.

Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences: Offers courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, and related fields.

Faculty of Management Sciences: Covers areas such as Accounting and Business Administration.


Each faculty is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

##Current Vice Chancellor
Professor Shedrack Best is a distinguished academic specializing in International Relations and Peace Building. Prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of PLASU in February 2024, he served as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Plateau State and was a gubernatorial aspirant under the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019. 

##Contributions to PLASU
Since assuming office, Professor Best has focused on enhancing staff and student welfare, as well as addressing infrastructural deficits within the university. His administration has prioritized the completion of ongoing projects, including the fencing of the university campus, to improve security and create a conducive learning environment. 

##Community Engagement and Development
PLASU maintains a collaborative relationship with the Bokkos Local Government Area and surrounding communities. Initiatives include community development projects, educational outreach programs, and partnerships aimed at fostering socio-economic growth in the region. The university also actively participates in local events and encourages students to engage in community service. 

##Challenges and Future Prospects

Funding and Infrastructure: Like many public universities in Nigeria, PLASU faces challenges related to funding and infrastructure development. Efforts are ongoing to secure additional resources for the expansion of facilities and improvement of existing structures to accommodate the growing student population.

Academic Excellence: The university is committed to achieving academic excellence by continuously updating curricula, investing in faculty development, and fostering research initiatives that address local and global issues.


Plateau State University, Bokkos, continues to make strides in providing quality education and contributing to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. Under the leadership of Professor Shedrack Best, the university is poised to overcome challenges and achieve its vision of becoming a center of academic excellence.