UNIJOS Student Wins ₦500,000 in NUPEMCO National Essay Competition

A 400-level Pharmacy student of the University of Jos, Torsen Saameer Kasmir, has emerged as the overall winner of the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO) National Essay Competition, earning the First Prize of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) and a Digital Tablet.

The prize was presented during a courtesy visit to the University Management by a NUPEMCO delegation, led by the company’s Executive Director, Finance and Investment, Mr. Emmanuel Thomas, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Board Room, Naraguta Campus.

In his remarks, Mr. Thomas described the competition as highly competitive and intellectually demanding, commending the winner for his outstanding performance among numerous participants from universities across Nigeria. He noted that the visit was not only to celebrate the student’s achievement but also to commend the University of Jos for consistently producing exceptional graduates who excel nationally and internationally.

Mr. Thomas said NUPEMCO chose to present the award at the University to honour its leadership and reaffirm the company’s admiration for the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and moral discipline. He also congratulated the University on its preparations to host the 2025 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Games, and on the recent appointment of its former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reiterating NUPEMCO’s mission, Mr. Thomas assured the University that the organization remains committed to strengthening partnerships with Nigerian universities and improving Pension Fund Administration (PFA) services within the tertiary education system.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, expressed deep appreciation to NUPEMCO for recognizing and rewarding excellence. He commended the company’s continued efforts to enhance the welfare of university staff and retirees, noting that NUPEMCO’s specialized focus on the tertiary education sector makes it uniquely positioned to understand and address the needs of its members.

Professor Ishaya congratulated Torsen Saameer Kasmir for bringing pride and recognition to the University, describing his achievement as a product of hard work, discipline, and the high academic standards for which UNIJOS is known. He encouraged other students to emulate Torsen’s example by participating in intellectually stimulating competitions and initiatives that prepare them for leadership and innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor also assured NUPEMCO that the network facilities presented to the University alongside the student’s prize would be deployed effectively to enhance internet connectivity, research, and administrative efficiency across the campus.

The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the Dummy Cheque and Digital Tablet to the overall winner, as well as the official handover of the Network Facilities to the University Management.

Signed

Tongdyen D. S. Dachung

Principal Assistant Registrar

For: Head, Information and Publications