Concerned Plateau Youths have called on the Federal Government to review appointment patterns in federal institutions located in Plateau State, alleging the persistent underrepresentation of indigenes in leadership positions despite the state’s role in hosting several strategic national establishments.
The group made the call during a press conference in Jos on Friday, where it expressed concerns over what it described as a longstanding imbalance in appointments into key federal institutions situated in Plateau.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Convener, Nanla Nanzing, said the issue had become a source of growing concern among citizens of the state, particularly in view of constitutional provisions on the Federal Character Principle.
“Our concern is the apparent and longstanding underrepresentation of Plateau indigenes in the leadership of key Federal Government institutions located within Plateau State, particularly in Vom and Jos.
“This issue has become a source of growing concern among our people, especially considering the constitutional provisions on Federal Character and the need to ensure fairness and inclusiveness in public appointments,” he said.
According to him, Plateau State hosts several federal institutions that contribute significantly to national development, yet many of them are currently headed by persons who are not indigenes of the state.
The group listed the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom; the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom; the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom; the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos; the University of Jos; the Industrial Training Fund (ITF); the Federal College of Forestry, Jos; the National Centre for Remote Sensing, Jos; the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru; and the NTA College, Jos among institutions headed by non-indigenes.
Nanzing recalled that the Plateau Youth Council had written to the Federal Character Commission on March 25, 2025, drawing attention to concerns over the leadership composition of some federal institutions in the state, particularly the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom.
He expressed disappointment that no meaningful response had been received from the commission since the submission of the petition.
The group, however, maintained that its position was not driven by ethnic considerations or opposition to merit-based appointments.
“We wish to state categorically that our position is not motivated by ethnic bias, hostility towards any group, or opposition to merit-based appointments. Plateau State remains one of the most hospitable and accommodating states in Nigeria, and our people have always welcomed Nigerians from every part of the country. However, hospitality should not translate into exclusion,” he added.
The youths further urged the Federal Government to ensure that future appointments into federal institutions located in Plateau State reflect the principles of fairness, equity, merit, and federal character.
They specifically called attention to leadership positions that are currently vacant or nearing the end of their tenure, including those at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom; the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom; the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom; and the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos.
The group also called on the Federal Character Commission to investigate concerns relating to the representation of Plateau indigenes in federal institutions located within the state and make appropriate recommendations.
It further urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, relevant ministers, and heads of federal agencies to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions on equitable representation.
The youths additionally called on relevant anti-corruption and oversight agencies to investigate allegations relating to appointment processes and the alleged disposal of government assets in some institutions where necessary.
While insisting that their advocacy remained peaceful and lawful, the group warned that continued neglect of the concerns could further deepen dissatisfaction among youths in the state.
“Our appeal is a peaceful and patriotic one. We are not seeking the exclusion of any Nigerian from opportunities in Plateau State. Rather, we seek fairness, balance, and a sense of belonging for the people of Plateau who have continued to host these institutions with goodwill and cooperation,” Nanzing said.
The group expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other relevant stakeholders would give due consideration to the issues raised and take steps to address concerns relating to representation in federal institutions located within Plateau State.
