Chief Bulus Maiyaki, PhD, former Taraba State Commissioner for Works and Finance, and the Director procurement rural Electrification Agency has praised the appointment of Prof. Benjamin Kefas as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Wukari (FUW), describing it as a step in the right direction for the institution and the state at large.
Maiyaki, who is also a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree (DLitt) from the university, recalled his earlier public call for the appointment of an indigenous Vice-Chancellor following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past VC. At the time, he argued that appointing a Taraba-born academic would strengthen institutional stability, enhance local ownership, and better harness the state’s rich academic potential.
Reiterating those benefits, Maiyaki noted that Prof. Kefas’ appointment is well-positioned to advance educational development in Taraba State, given the depth of scholarly expertise within the state.
He further commended the Governing Council of the University, the Visitor to the University—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—and Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process devoid of favoritism or sentiment.
Maiyaki further said this development has set a pace where subsequent appointments of indigenous professors as heads of institutions would not only prioritize the expansion of the state’s academic sphere but also boost Taraba’s education index.
He therefore urged staff, alongside professors who supported Prof Kefas, to cooperate with him to move the university forward, adding that power comes from God and that in due time, all would be rewarded according to their service to God and humanity.
Maiyaki emphasized that the open process not only produced a credible outcome but also created an opportunity for qualified Taraba professors to showcase their academic profiles, laying a strong foundation for future leadership engagements within and beyond the university system.