UNIJOS CHANCELLOR EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN THE UNIVERSITY’S GRADUATES – APPROVES PROPOSED DATE FOR CONVOCATION CEREMONY

The Chancellor of the University of Jos and Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, has expressed strong confidence in the quality of graduates produced by the University of Jos over the years, describing them as well-grounded and contributing meaningfully to national and global development.

His Royal Highness made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the University of Jos, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Senator Grace Folashade Bent CON, during a courtesy visit to his palace in Zaria.

Welcoming the delegation, which included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, other Principal Officers, and members of the Governing Council of the institution, the Emir expressed great delight to have received the University’s leadership in his palace, reaffirming his deep connection with the institution.

The Chancellor added that he had known the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Bent, for many years and expressed absolute confidence in her leadership qualities and commitment to the growth and development of the University of Jos. He further expressed his pleasure with the good work she has been doing since assuming office about a year ago, specifically in the areas of cordial working relationships with the University’s leadership and providing guidance to move the institution forward.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield positive results for the University and redefine its place in the Nigerian higher education landscape. Highlighting the University’s academic standing, the Chancellor observed that the University of Jos remains one of the most prominent institutions in Northern Nigeria and a source of national pride. He added that quite a number of people attended the University of Jos, and the quality of teaching they received cannot be overemphasized. “When you engage them, you can tell that they went to school,” he added.

Reaffirming his commitment to the institution, the Emir graciously approved the proposed date for the forthcoming Convocation Ceremony of the institution, scheduled for December 2025, and pledged to personally attend the event. He expressed gratitude to God for life and prayed for wisdom and strength to continue serving the Zazzau Emirate, the University of Jos, and Nigeria diligently.

In her remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Grace Folashade Bent CON, expressed profound appreciation to the Chancellor for his unwavering support and fatherly guidance to the University. She also thanked him for his consistent interest in the affairs of the institution, even before her appointment as Pro-Chancellor.

Senator Bent briefed the Emir on major upcoming events at the University, including its hosting of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) competition, an honour that coincides with the University’s 50th Anniversary celebration and its Convocation Ceremony.

She explained that the University’s management has been working harmoniously to ensure the success of these landmark events, noting that “positive developments are already taking place, and the next few weeks will see intensified activities toward the NUGA Games, the 50th Anniversary, and the Convocation Ceremony.”

The Pro-Chancellor described the Zazzau Emirate as special to her, referring to it as “home.” She extended warm greetings from members of the 15th Governing Council and apologized for the delay in paying the courtesy visit since her appointment as the first female Pro-Chancellor of the University. She further explained that the visit was to formally felicitate with His Highness on the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the throne as the Emir of Zazzau, acquaint the Chancellor with the Council’s ongoing programmes, and seek his approval for the proposed Convocation date, which was officially presented to him in a letter.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, stated that the visit was to felicitate with His Highness on the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the throne and to officially present the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council to him.

He said the University management decided to combine these purposes in one visit as a mark of respect and appreciation for the Emir’s continued support for the institution. Professor Ishaya also sought the Emir’s blessings for the Convocation date and prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, and long reign for the Emir.

The visit concluded with an interactive session, during which staff of the University’s Information and Publications Division engaged the Chancellor in an exclusive interview on the University’s future role in shaping higher education and national development, as it celebrates it’s 50 years of resilience, excellence and professionalism.

Signed

Tongdyen D.S. Dachung

Principal Assistant Registrar

Information and Publications