SWAN Seeks Collaboration With Unijos As Institution Develops 14 New Sports Facilities

UNIVERSITY OF JOS

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION

PRESS RELEASE

SWAN SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH UNIJOS AS INSTITUTION DEVELOPS 14 NEW SPORTS FACILITIES

The Plateau State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has called for collaboration with the University of Jos in the area of Sports development in addition to seeking support for the educational advancement of its members. This is as the Sports Journalists seek Media partnership with the University ahead of the upcoming Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) competition being hosted by the institution.

These formed the top issues presented by SWAN officials to Management of the University during a courtesy visit led by the Chairman of the Association, Alfred Saiki at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Administrative Building, Naraguta Campus.

The SWAN Chairman emphasized the importance of providing educational opportunities for members of the Association, appealing for greater consideration for SWAN members seeking to further their studies at the University. According to Saiki, SWAN accords top priority to the capacity development of its members, therefore, qualified Sports Journalists who apply to study in the University, especially under the soon-to-be introduced Sports-related programmes, should be given some preference.

Confirming SWAN’s support for the forthcoming NUGA competition to be hosted by UniJos in November, he pledged that Sports Journalists in the State are ready promote the event across various Media platforms, including through Print, Electronic and Online Media. He also proposed a pre-Games media tour of the University’s sports facilities to showcase ongoing developments and boost publicity for the tournament.

As part of the proposed collaboration, the SWAN Chairman requested the University to grant the Association access to its sports facilities, including football pitch, basketball courts, and athletics track to enable them organize some of their sporting activities. Saiki also shared SWAN’s vision for organizing Sports Journalism workshops in partnership with the University’s Mass Communication, Mathematics (Statistics) as well as Physical and Health Education Departments, to explore data-driven Sports Reporting.

According to him, SWAN is interested in enlisting members of the University’s Campus Radio Station, ICE FM, into its fold, noting that the basic requirement for membership is a Diploma in Mass Communication. He further explained that, with over 50 active members in the State, the Association is working to grow its numbers and believes UNIJOS ICE FM Staff can contribute meaningfully in that direction.

Responding, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, applauded SWAN’s willingness to collaborate with the University, especially at a time when the institution is strengthening its ties with Media partners. Professor Ishaya noted, “As a University, we believe in partnerships. I’m glad SWAN is here to identify areas where we can work together. Sports is a huge industry that we must not neglect, and our Students should have the opportunity to pursue it professionally.”

The Vice-Chancellor noted that although the NUGA competition had faced some delays, the University remains committed to delivering the event successfully, with 14 new sports facilities under development. The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the University’s continuous support for its Student-Athletes, including sponsorship to International University Sports competitions such as the FISU Games in China, and this year’s competition in Germany.

According to him, the University is committed to helping its Students excel in sports, and is looking forward to a fruitful partnership with SWAN in not only promoting NUGA but in ensuring that talented Students enjoy recognition both on national and global stages.

Signed

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information & Publications)