Plateau State Deputy Governor

Professor Sonni Tyoden was born in 1950 in Pankshin. After receiving primary school education at N.A. Primary School Pankshin and Demonstration Primary School, Gindiri in Plateau State, he proceeded to Boys Secondary School Gindiri for secondary education. Upon successful completion, young Tyoden proceeded to University of Ibadan in 1972 where in 1976 he earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science in the second class honours (upper division). Between 1977 and 1980 he studied at University of Lancaster (UK) under the sponsorship of Plateau State Government and obtained the MA degree in 1978 and PhD in 1980. Except for a brief stint as Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Establishment in Plateau State, he has spent the rest of his career in teaching. Beginning with primary school teaching in 1970-71, he continued with teaching career in 1980 when he joined the University of Jos as Lecturer II and rose to the rank of Professor in 1990 at University of Abuja. He returned to Jos for a chair in political science at University of Jos in 2000. He is currently Visiting Research Professor at NIPSS.

Professor Tyoden is a man of sterling achievements. He has published three books, edited nine and served on the editorial board of peer-reviewed journals. He has published widely in local and international journals and has consulted for the World Bank, UNDP among several international agencies. He has served the community in many capacities, including as Head of Department of Political Science, ASUU Chairman (University of Jos Branch) and Dean of Faculty before crowning that achievement with the position of Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos between 2006 and 2011. This man of distinguished scholarly career is a member of many professional associations and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. He is happily married and blessed with four children.