Plateau State is one of the 36 states of Nigeria, and is in the central region of the country. The capital is Jos.

The population is predominantly Christian.

Location

The State is situated almost in the middle of the country. To its North are Kaduna and Bauchi States while Benue stands at its Southern border. It is flanked in the East by Gongola State and in the West by the new Federal Capital Abuja and Kwara State.

History

The State came into being in February, 1976 when Plateau State was carved out of Benue-Plateau State.

Jos the original name of 'Gwosh' was wrongly pronounced as 'Jos' by the Hausa who settled on the site and turned it into a trading centre.

Agriculture

Agricultural products are available in large scale and these include potatoes, groundnut, vegetables of varied sorts,fruits, yams and many other items.

Mineral Resources

Natural resources as cassiterite, barytes, clay, kaolin columbite, tin, gemstone, galena quartz and feldspar.

Education

University of Jos, Police Staff College, Bukuru, St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos and the Theological College of Northern Nigeria. The State boasts of many institutions of research and learning such as the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom and NDLEA Command College.

Tourism

Assop Falls, Rivom LGA Physical * Shere Hills, Near Jos Physical * Riyom Rock Formation, Rivom Physical * International Youth Tourism Centre, Kurra Falls Physical/Man-made * Rayfield Resort, Jos Man-made Resort * Heleena Farms, Liberty Dam Physical/Man-made * Jos Wildlife Park Wildlife Eco-Tourism * Jos Zoo/Museum Zoo/Monument * Naraguta Leather Works, Arts & Crafts/ Naraguta Souvenirs * Solomon Lar Amusement Park Man-made

People

Plateau State is said to be a miniature Nigeria primarily because nearly all the ethnic groups of the country reside there. There are more than 50 ethnic groups including the Berom, Ngas, Tarok, Alago, Goemai, Mada, Nwaghavul, Ron, Gbagyi, Eggan, Youn, Montol, Gwandara, Mapun, Chip, Rindre, Bagghom, Egbura, Hausa, Falani, Kambari, Bassa, Afo, Fler, Ninzam, Koro, Gade, Amo etc. Because of its unique geographical features and numerous ethnic groups, it is natural that one will expect a mosaic of socio-cultural activities in the state.

Local Government Areas

Barikin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Kanam, Kanke, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mangu, Mikang, Pankshin, Qua'an Pan, Riyom, Shendam, Wase.

Links

Schools on The Web:

University of Jos
Command Secondary School, Jos

Contact

State Liason Office:
Plot 1221B, Bishop Oluwole Street.
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-617537.