By Our Correspondent
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has underscored the transformative impact of educational exchange programmes and international collaboration in advancing human capital development and positioning societies for global competitiveness.
The Governor made this remark on Thursday, January 9, 2026, while receiving the National President of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), Dr. Nosa Tukura, and her delegation on a courtesy visit to the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Governor Mutfwang noted that international exposure plays a critical role in shaping leadership capacity and redefining public service, recalling that his personal participation in exchange programmes significantly influenced his political and leadership journey.
“Those exchanges have been quite profound. For me, they marked a paradigm shift in my perception of public service and leadership,” he said.
Expressing concern over declining school enrolment in some parts of Plateau State, particularly in mining-dominated communities, the Governor warned that the trend poses serious long-term social and security risks.
He observed that the challenge affects both boys and girls, stressing that neglecting either group could lead to broader societal dysfunction.
Governor Mutfwang further drew attention to the growing menace of girl-child exploitation, describing it as an emerging crisis that demands urgent intervention.
He disclosed that during enforcement operations in December alone, many underage girls were rescued from hotels and brothels, some already exposed to substance abuse, underscoring the need for coordinated social action.
He emphasized the importance of trauma management and psychosocial support systems, particularly for vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons, while commending USGEAAN members for their support for trauma education initiatives.
The Governor also stressed the need to upgrade the state’s education system to meet global standards, noting the widening gap between rapid global technological advancements and local learning environments.
On international relations, Governor Mutfwang described Nigeria’s stability as critical to global peace and development, asserting that stronger Nigeria–United States collaboration would be mutually beneficial.
He observed that Nigeria’s human potential remains immense, adding that effective leadership, structure, and strategic partnerships are required to unlock it.
The Governor assured the delegation that his administration remains open to partnerships aligned with Plateau State’s development priorities.
He congratulated Dr. Tukura on her emergence as National President of USGEAAN and pledged that the proposal submitted by the association would be carefully reviewed and forwarded to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for necessary action.
Earlier, Dr. Tukura announced that Plateau State had produced the first-ever National President of USGEAAN, describing the achievement as historic and reflective of the intellectual depth of Plateau citizens, as well as the administration’s commitment to women’s leadership and empowerment.
She explained that USGEAAN is a network of over 14,000 Nigerian alumni drawn from 28 United States Department of State-sponsored exchange programmes across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to her, the association is united in strengthening U.S.–Nigeria relations and driving national development under the motto, “Unite, Empower, Transform Together.”
Dr. Tukura highlighted key achievements of the Plateau State Chapter, including hosting three U.S. Ambassadors in Jos, renovating public school infrastructure, supporting special needs education, and promoting cultural diplomacy through theatre and music.
She also revealed that Plateau State gained global recognition after the Girls Education Mission (GEM), in partnership with the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), emerged first among 84 teams worldwide at the 2025 Local Innovators Program.
She presented a partnership proposal focused on STEM education, youth mentorship, and entrepreneurship, leveraging the American Space Jos facility.
According to her, the pilot programme will commence with 100 students, 60 per cent of them girls and scale to over 1,000 beneficiaries within five years, positioning Plateau State as a model for educational innovation, gender equity, and international collaboration.
