DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF JOS, HOLDS THREE-DAY ACADEMIC STAFF RETREAT AHEAD OF THE 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF JOS, HOLDS THREE-DAY ACADEMIC STAFF RETREAT AHEAD OF THE 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION

By Dr. Ibrahim Bulus

The Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, has successfully concluded a three-day academic staff retreat held from 28th to 30th October 2026 at Miango Rest Home, Plateau State, as part of its preparations for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The retreat brought together academic staff of the Department for meaningful engagement, reflection and strategic discussions aimed at strengthening academic standards, improving teaching and learning, enhancing research productivity, promoting professional ethics and preparing staff for the challenges and responsibilities of the forthcoming academic session.

In his opening remarks, the Head of Department, Dr. Kwopnan Ibrahim Bulus, warmly welcomed all members of staff to the retreat and encouraged everyone to participate actively in the sessions. He emphasised the importance of collective engagement, shared responsibility and constructive contributions towards the growth and development of the Department.

The retreat featured presentations and discussions by distinguished senior academics on critical themes, including the role of teaching staff in the university, work ethics and professional values, the unwritten rules of classroom management, classroom delivery and effective teaching, and the university code of conduct. The sessions also provided opportunities to examine departmental challenges and identify practical strategies for institutional improvement.

Among the resource persons were Prof. Nanji R. Umoh, Prof. Christiana O. Okoye, Prof. Amayah F. Adakai, Prof. Audu N. Gambo, Prof. Dung Pam Sha and Prof. Plangsat Dayil, whose presentations and contributions enriched the deliberations.

An important highlight of the retreat was the practical simulation exercises in which lecturers participated in demonstrations on effective lecture delivery and classroom management. These exercises provided opportunities for participants to practise and reflect on effective teaching techniques, classroom engagement, communication skills and strategies for creating a conducive learning environment.

Beyond the academic sessions, participants engaged in various team-building exercises, recreational activities and social interactions, including a group hike. The hike provided an opportunity for physical exercise, relaxation and informal interaction among colleagues, while fostering team spirit, friendship and a stronger sense of unity. These activities reinforced the importance of staff wellness, collegiality and togetherness in building a stronger and more cohesive Department.

A major outcome of the retreat was the reaffirmation of the Department's commitment to academic integrity, professionalism and accountability. Participants emphasised the need to strengthen project supervision, improve examination and assessment practices, ensure consistent lecture delivery, promote interdisciplinary research collaboration and increase publication in reputable peer-reviewed journals.

The retreat also resolved to strengthen staff capacity in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies through regular refresher programmes, promote mentorship for younger academics, and encourage every staff member to develop a defined area of research specialisation.

Furthermore, the Department resolved to intensify efforts towards protecting students from all forms of harassment, discrimination, exploitation and abuse of academic authority. Participants stressed that the lecturer-student relationship must be founded on mutual respect, fairness, mentorship and professional integrity.

The retreat concluded with a renewed collective commitment by members of staff to reposition the Department for greater academic visibility, improved research output, effective mentorship and the production of globally competitive graduates as the Department prepares for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The Head of Department, Dr. Kwopnan Bulus expressed appreciation to the resource persons, retreat committee and all participants for their contributions towards the success of the retreat. 

The retreat communiqué was signed by Dr. Kwopnan I. Bulus, Head of Department; Prof. Dung P. Sha, Chairman of the Retreat Committee; and Mrs. Maria I. Igoche, Secretary of the Retreat Committee.

The Department of Political Science, University of Jos, remains committed to building a culture of excellence, integrity, innovation and global competitiveness in teaching, research and community engagement.