Prof. Ishaya Engages Plateau Assembly Members, Seeks Support for University Growth

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, has appealed to the Plateau State House of Assembly to intervene and assist the University in addressing some of its major challenges, particularly land encroachment around the University.

 Professor Ishaya made the appeal when he received the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Naanlong Daniel, and other members of the House during a courtesy visit to him at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Naraguta Campus of the University. While welcoming the lawmakers, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation for their visit, describing it as a mark of genuine concern and partnership towards the development of education and the wellbeing of the University community. He stated that the University of Jos remains one of the most strategic public institutions in the state, contributing immensely to the economic, social, and intellectual growth of Plateau State and the nation at large.

According to him, the effort of the University is geared towards improving the economic and social life of the state and the society at large, since the university is domiciled in the state, the immediate community remains the first beneficiary of all its developmental initiatives.

The Vice-Chancellor however lamented the increasing rate of land encroachment around the University, describing it as a threat to future expansion and infrastructural development. He explained that the University had already developed plans for its second-phase development but was being hindered by boundary disputes and unauthorized settlements. He therefore called on the House of Assembly to use its legislative powers and influence to help the University recover and protect its land.

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted some of the University’s developmental strides, including the establishment of the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Food Security, which he said is already enabling the institution to work closely with local communities in developing the food value chain within the state. He added that through the Centre, the University is organizing capacity-building trainings aimed at improving agricultural productivity and promoting self-reliance among farmers and entrepreneurs.

While reaffirming the University’s readiness to collaborate with the Plateau State House of Assembly in any area that promotes mutual growth, Professor Ishaya said, “We are privileged to collaborate with the House and are fully ready to develop any form of partnership that enhances capacity building, human development, and institutional strengthening.”

The Vice-Chancellor also used the occasion to inform the lawmakers about the forthcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) competition, which the University of Jos is set to host. He said the event would attract over ten thousand (10,000) contingents from various universities across Nigeria, presenting a unique opportunity to project Plateau State’s peaceful image and tourism potential to the world. He therefore appealed to the House for support in ensuring the successful hosting of the Games.

Stating the reason for the visit earlier, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Naanlong Daniel, said the House is concerned about issues affecting students, especially the difficulties some students face. He disclosed that the House is proposing legislation that will help safeguard students and educational infrastructure across the state, adding that they were at the institution to inform management.

Commending the University management for its developmental strides, the Speaker described the University as a “strategic partner in development,” emphasizing that the lawmakers consider it their duty to support institutions that contribute meaningfully to the growth and stability of the state. He added that the House is looking forward to establishing a strong working relationship with the University that will foster mutual progress. He assured that the House of Assembly would work closely with the University to address the issues raised and also pledged to support initiatives that enhance youth development, sports, and academic excellence.

The visit ended on a note of renewed commitment, with both the University of Jos and the Plateau State House of Assembly agreeing to strengthen their partnership for the overall progress of the University and the advancement of education in Plateau State, Nigeria and the world at large.

Signed

Mrs Tongdyen D.S. Dachung

Principal Assistant Registrar

Information and Publications

For: Registrar