PROFESSOR ABAMA DONATES A FESTCHRIFT TO UNIJOS

PROFESSOR ABAMA DONATES A FESTCHRIFT IN HER HONOUR TO UNIJOS, SAYS IT’S A PRODUCT OF THREE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

Professor Elizabeth Abama, a seasoned educationist and retired staff of the Faculty of Education, University of Jos, has donated a Festchrift (compiled in her honour) to the University Library. Titled “Education and Women Empowerment for National Development” with diverse contributions from over 50 colleagues, she described this as a culmination of her 30-year academic journey and a response to the calls from colleagues across the country seeking her expertise in Educational Management.

Speaking on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 during the presentation to the Vice-Chancellor (Professor Tanko Ishaya), Professor Abama recalled with joy her over three decades of service at the University of Jos, where she rose from an Assistant Lecturer to the rank of a Professor. She noted that upon her retirement, several colleagues from various Universities reached out to her for guidance on educational management issues, a development she said inspired her decision to document her knowledge and experiences in book form.

According to her, the collection is designed as a valuable resource for scholars, teachers in training, Educational Administrators, and anyone interested in the role of education and women empowerment in national development. She stated that the collection of articles in the book focuses broadly on education and women empowerment, Educational Management, Adult Education, Community Services, and general concerns in Education—key components that form the foundation of teacher education.

Professor Abama expressed gratitude that the book project, though delayed by personal setbacks, has finally become a reality. She disclosed that her retirement years were marked by profound family losses, which made the writing and publication process difficult. However, she thanked God for the strength to complete the work, describing its publication as both a personal relief and an academic contribution.

She explained that the donation of the book to the University of Jos is her modest way of giving back to the institution that shaped her academic career. While calling it a “token,” she emphasized that the material offers broad perspectives across different sectors, all aimed at empowering women and strengthening educational practice.

Earlier, Professor Ozoji, the editor-in-Chief of the book and a retired Professor of the Faculty of Education, University of Jos, who accompanied her to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, commended the University for hosting a successful edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games. He said the book donation represents the author’s desire to contribute meaningfully to the University community.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor thanked Professor Abama for what he described as a thoughtful and impactful gesture. He noted that the donation reflects wisdom and a deep sense of institutional loyalty.  According to him, the book carries rich experiences that will benefit generations of students, scholars, and researchers in the field of education. He described the publication as an “enriching body of knowledge” filled with insights capable of shaping educational development and strengthening women empowerment efforts.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the University Library will greatly benefit from the addition, which he said will serve as a valuable reference material for academic growth.

Professor Abama’s latest work stands as a testament to her commitment to education, the empowerment of women, and national development, capturing the depth of her knowledge and the breadth of her contributions to the field.