Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Dr. Mrs. Christiana Fwenji Zumyil
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos–
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Pankshin, has presented a scorecard on the leadership of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUE, Pankshin, Dr. Mrs. Christiana Fwenji Zumyil, commending her for what they described as a transformational and people-oriented administration.
The commendation came during a press briefing on campus where the SUG President, Comrade Yanga Leader Dabang, praised the milestones achieved under Dr. Zumyil since her appointment as Acting Provost in June 2023 and later as Acting Vice-Chancellor following the upgrade of the institution.
“Upon assumption of office, she introduced an Open-Door Policy and prioritized transparent engagement with staff and students.
“This disposition quickly translated into visible and tangible achievements across academics, staff welfare, projects, and the maintenance of cordial working relationships with host communities, government ministries, and agencies,” he said.
He disclosed that the backlog of results for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions had been cleared, with no outstanding results for ongoing NCE and Degree programmes aside from those of recently concluded sessions.
“She established a Career Service Centre, ensured the disbursement of NELFUND to eligible students who applied and were successfully screened, and fully sponsored the NiCEGA contingent from FUE Pankshin. This shows she is student-centered,” he added.
On security and infrastructure, the SUG president stated: “She engaged the services of soldiers from Operation Safe Haven and local hunters to boost the security of staff, students, and properties within the university’s premises. She installed solar-powered lights across Schools, the ICT Centre, and the Library.”
“So far, the institution has enjoyed industrial peace. We’ve not had it this good. As SUG, we’re standing solidly behind her.”
Also speaking, Comrade Gotep Shikzara Irmiya, President of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), and Comrade Daten Kwopnan Jwan, Chairman of the Stakeholders’ Forum, echoed the sentiments of support, stating that the impact of Dr. Zumyil’s leadership was being tangibly felt by students.
The institution’s Bursar, Alhaji Amale Bello, also commended the Acting Vice-Chancellor, attributing recent successes in financial management to her cooperation.
“The Acting Vice-Chancellor has been very supportive. She believes in due process and accountability, and that made my work easier. With her backing, I was able to implement reforms without fear or favoritism.
“We keyed into the GIFMIS platform to ensure prompt salary payments and transparency. Today, staff allowances are processed without delay, and our audit reports are up to date. We owe that stability to teamwork and her leadership support,” he noted.
In her response, Dr. Zumyil described the full accreditation of all 23 degree and 30 NCE programmes as a major milestone.
“Accreditation is not automatic. It means we met the required standards. The result is that our degree and NCE students can graduate and serve without worries,” she said.
She noted that the upgrade of the institution to a university was progressing steadily. “We have completed the academic brief and the master plan. We are only waiting for the National Universities Commission to come for resource verification so we can begin admitting students directly as a University of Education.”
Dr. Zumyil acknowledged challenges, particularly in infrastructure, revealing that most student hostels date back to 1974.
“Ninety percent of our students live off-campus. That exposes them to risks—phone snatching, harassment. We’ve prioritized hostel renovation in the 2025 intervention, but we need more help. Investors don’t come because of the low rent in this area,” she said.
On security, she said: “Security is from God, but we must do our part. That’s why we brought in the STF. They gave us 15 soldiers who now patrol the campus. It has really helped.”
“When I came in, there were students who had graduated but didn’t have results. That had to stop. We installed solar power in all seven schools and the ICT Centre. Today, results are up to date. The only ones left are those about to write their final exams.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to building a peaceful, inclusive, and progressive institution while calling on the federal government to provide more funding as the university transitions into full operation.
