Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and current Minority Leader, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, has donated sports kits to the Federal University of Education, Pankshin (FUEP), in a move aimed at strengthening sports development and nurturing young talents within the institution.
Receiving the donation, the Vice-Chancellor of FUEP, Prof. Noel Nen’man Ndalbeh Wannang, described the gesture as a strategic investment in the future of the University and its students, noting that sports remain one of the institution’s 27 strategic priorities for the next five years.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the University is committed to institutionalising sports, discovering hidden talents among students and creating opportunities for them to excel at national and international levels.
Prof. Wannang commended Hon. Dewan for the generous donation, emphasizing that investing in students is an investment in the future of society.
“Most universities outside Nigeria are not developed with government funds alone; they are built through the support of individuals,” he said.
He further noted that excellence in sports, like every other field, requires patience, preparation, teamwork, hard work and the willingness of people to invest in others.
“The true measure of greatness is not what we acquire but what we leave behind for others. A university is not built by bricks and mortar alone; it is built by the generosity, goodwill and shared vision of people who believe in its future,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor praised Hon. Dewan, for his continued commitment to education and youth development, while encouraging members of the University community to make good use of the sporting facilities.
Earlier, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Danjuma Gokum, described Hon. Dewan as a consistent supporter of the University and assured him that the donated equipment would be effectively utilized to improve sporting activities and enhance the institution’s profile.
Also speaking, Chairman of the University’s Sports Committee, Prof. Joseph Bakdima, applauded the Vice-Chancellor for attracting support from public-spirited individuals and pledged that the committee would ensure the equipment is properly maintained and fully utilized.
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Lohkur Vongdip, expressed appreciation to both the University management and the donor, saying the donation would help revive sports and position FUEP for greater achievements in competitive sporting events.
The Registrar of the University, Mr. Yadok Longtong, also commended the Vice-Chancellor’s efforts in mobilising support for the institution and urged staff members to emulate the leadership by engaging well-meaning individuals and organizations in advancing the University’s development.
The donated items include footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, jerseys, tracksuits, tennis balls and other sporting equipment, which are expected to significantly boost sporting activities and talent development at the University.
The donation further underscores the growing role of alumni and private individuals in complementing government efforts to improve infrastructure, student welfare and overall institutional development in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
