Senator Diket Satso Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening federal institutions in Plateau State following an oversight visit to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The visit, undertaken in his capacity as a member of the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, was aimed at assessing the level of peace and institutional stability at the institute and its affiliated colleges following the July 2026 protest over the appointment of a new Provost for the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology.
Senator Plang explained that the visit was a follow-up to deliberations at a recent sitting of the Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, where concerns surrounding the protest and its implications for the institutions were discussed.
He noted that he was mandated by the committee to visit Vom, interact with the management of the institutions and independently ascertain the progress made in resolving the issues that had disrupted activities within the complex.
Following his engagements with the management of the three institutions, the Senator expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation, understanding and improved relationship among the leadership, describing the prevailing atmosphere as encouraging.
He commended the management for demonstrating maturity and commitment towards restoring normalcy, stressing that peaceful coexistence and institutional collaboration were essential for the continued growth of the research and training facilities.
Senator Plang further acknowledged the strategic importance of NVRI, established in 1924, and its affiliated institutions to Nigeria’s agricultural development, veterinary research, animal health and human capacity building.
He assured the institutions of the Senate Committee’s continued support through effective legislative representation, oversight engagements and budgetary interventions aimed at improving their operations and addressing critical infrastructural and developmental needs.
Beyond the institutional engagements, Senator Plang pledged to sustain consultations with relevant stakeholders, traditional rulers and community leaders to consolidate the peace achieved and promote a stronger relationship between the institutions and their host community.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, traditional institutions and the people of Vom for their respective contributions towards resolving the disagreement.
Earlier, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NVRI, Dr Dashe Yakubu Gunya, disclosed that the institute had recorded approximately 95 per cent peace following interventions by government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders.
He confirmed that academic and administrative activities had resumed, expressing optimism that sustained dialogue and collective commitment would address the remaining concerns, particularly those relating to corporate social responsibility and the developmental expectations of the host community.
The Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Professor Abdullahi Ahmed, and the Provost of the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Dr Chukwu O. Chukwu, also confirmed that activities within their respective institutions were progressing peacefully.
Senator Plang’s visit underscores the importance of legislative oversight in strengthening federal institutions, promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring that public institutions in Plateau State operate in an environment conducive to research, learning and national development.
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