Prof Sonni Tyoden brought stability, wisdom and experience to govt

The immediate past deputy governor of Plateau State, Prof Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, had left an indelible mark on the government of Plateau State, according to mourners. He was noted as one who brought stability, wisdom and experience to the administration while serving for eight years as deputy under then governor, Simon Lalong. Speaking on behalf […]

The immediate past deputy governor of Plateau State, Prof Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, had left an indelible mark on the government of Plateau State, according to mourners. He was noted as one who brought stability, wisdom and experience to the administration while serving for eight years as deputy under then governor, Simon Lalong.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Gyenu Tyoden, said burial arrangements will be made available to the public in the coming days.

The cause of his death is yet to be known, but his boss, Lalong, who is also the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, has already led some former members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to the residence of the deceased in Rayfield Jos to commiserate with them over the loss.

In a tribute during a condolence visit to the residence of the deceased, Lalong described the late Tyoden as a trusted political ally, confidant, teacher and mentor who served with him diligently as deputy governor of the state.

• National Assembly must be intentional in e-parliament adoption – Clerk
• A befitting feather on late MKO Abiola’s cap

Lalong said Tyoden brought significant stability, wisdom and experience to the government and worked tirelessly to ensure its success during the eight years tenure, and that he (Tyoden) left indelible footprints in the sands of time having served the nation in various positions including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos where he turned around the fortunes of the institution. He contributed significantly to the development of the university and served diligently until he joined the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from where he was elected as deputy governor of Plateau State in 2015.

Tyoden was born on September 22, 1950. He attended Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri in Plateau State, where he obtained the West African School Certificate. He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Degree in Political Science. He obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc) and a Doctorate (Ph.D) Degree in International Relations and Political Economy from the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom.

Tyoden began his career in 1978 as an Assistant Secretary to the Plateau State Government Ministry of Establishment. He later became a member of the academic staff at the University of Jos, where he became a full professor in 1990. From the professorial role, in 1990, he was appointed Head of the Department of Political Science of the University of Abuja. He returned to his alma mater, the University of Jos, in 2000 and became Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences in 2001, a position he held till 2005. He was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos on 12 July 2006, a position he held until 11 June 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Abigail Tyoden and children. 

Additional contribution from Dickson S. Adama Jos