Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has been commended for his administration’s unprecedented investment in human capital development through the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
Mutfwang received the commendation when participants of the Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course (PSLC), Set 56, paid him a courtesy visit at the Twin Theatre, Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The delegation, comprising senior professionals from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Service, various state governments, and the private sector, was led by a representative of the director general of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo.
Delivering his remarks on behalf of the director general, Mr. Chinedu Okoye, applauded Governor Mutfwang’s visionary leadership and commitment to capacity building.
He noted that the sponsorship of 14 participants from Plateau State represents the highest number ever sponsored by any state since the inception of the PSLC in 2008.
“We verified our records and confirmed that Plateau State has never sponsored this number of participants before,” he stated. “This remarkable gesture underscores the Governor’s foresight and belief in the transformative power of knowledge and leadership development.”
He further revealed that among the Plateau contingent were five directors from the Governor’s Office, a reflection of the administration’s deliberate effort to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance outcomes.
Okoye explained that the Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course, introduced in 2008 as an abridged version of the Senior Executive Course, is a four-week intensive programme designed to expose participants to the regulatory, strategic, and leadership dimensions of policy formulation and implementation.
He also disclosed that PSLC 56 is developing a major policy brief titled “Mineral Mining and Boundary Treatment of the Plateau: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward,” in alignment with government’s directives, aimed at addressing critical developmental challenges and proffering practical solutions.
Governor Mufwang, in his response, congratulated the participants on their successful completion of the course and urged them to remain lifelong learners and change agents in their various spheres of influence.
“On behalf of the Deputy Governor and senior government officials here present, I congratulate you for successfully completing these four weeks of intensive learning,” the governor said.
He emphasised that leadership goes beyond formal positions, encouraging participants to apply the lessons learned to their communities, workplaces, and personal lives.
“Leadership is not just about the office you occupy. Many of you are already leaders in your communities, churches, and mosques. You must bring the knowledge you have gained to bear positively on your environment,” he added.
The governor commended NIPSS for its enduring role in producing strategic leaders across the nation and assured the Institute of Plateau State’s continued collaboration to enhance governance and service delivery.
“Since coming on board, we have enjoyed a robust relationship with Professor Omotayo and his team. We have broken the glass ceiling and will continue to strengthen partnerships that enhance governance and service delivery,” he affirmed.
Governor Mutfwang further directed all Plateau State participants of PSLC 56 to submit a two-page summary of their experiences, recommendations, and insights within one week to the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) and the Head of Service. He noted that their contributions could shape future policy directions and influence career growth within the public service.
He also lauded the diversity of PSLC 56 participants, drawn from different parts of the country, describing it as a reflection of Nigeria’s unity in diversity and a platform for promoting mutual understanding and national cohesion.
The event was attended by senior government officials, members of the Plateau State Executive Council, and representatives of the NIPSS National Alumni Association.
