UNIVERSITY OF JOS AT 50: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, AND PROFESSIONALISM

As part of activities marking the 50th Anniversary of the University of Jos, the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, held a media parley with journalists from various organizations, taking them on a historic journey through the University’s remarkable evolution.

Reflecting on five decades of growth and resilience, Professor Ishaya noted that despite numerous challenges, the institution continues to stand tall as a beacon of learning, innovation, and progress.

The Vice-Chancellor renewed his appeal to the Federal Government to release the long-overdue take-off grant to the University, emphasizing that UNIJOS remains the only second-generation university in Nigeria yet to receive the grant since its establishment 50 years ago. He explained that the absence of this critical funding has significantly hampered infrastructural expansion and overall development.

Professor Ishaya further highlighted how the lack of the grant has exacerbated issues such as land encroachment and insecurity, which have plagued the institution over the years. Nevertheless, he lauded UNIJOS for defying all odds to emerge as a globally recognized citadel of learning since its inception on 23rd September 1975, stressing that the release of the grant would enable the University to consolidate its achievements and address pressing infrastructural and manpower challenges.

Tracing the University’s evolution, Professor Ishaya recalled that UNIJOS began as a campus of the University of Ibadan in 1972 before becoming a full-fledged university in 1975. From its humble beginnings with just four faculties, the institution now boasts 17 faculties, 25 centers, and over 40,000 students. He noted that UNIJOS has grown remarkably, transforming from makeshift buildings into a modern, multi-campus institution spread across Naraguta and Lamingo, with support from the Federal Government, TETFund, donor agencies, and its dedicated alumni network.

While acknowledging significant progress in academic expansion and infrastructural development, the Vice-Chancellor lamented persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, insecurity, high energy costs, and land encroachment. He added that the University’s inability to recruit new staff since 2018 has further strained its capacity to meet National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation requirements.

Despite these challenges, Professor Ishaya expressed optimism about the University’s future, citing ongoing initiatives such as the establishment of Centers of Excellence in Sports, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Forensics, and Cybersecurity. He also announced that UNIJOS will host the 27th Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) in November — a milestone event that underscores the University’s growing prominence.

Speaking on preparations for NUGA 2025, the Vice-Chancellor assured that the University is poised to deliver one of the best editions of the games in history. He also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education has designated the University of Jos as one of ten Nigerian universities approved to establish a Center of Excellence in Sports, which will feature a comprehensive curriculum covering Sports Marketing, Sports Medicine, Sports Psychology, Sports Journalism, Sports Law, and Sports Management, among others.

According to him, the new Center will serve as a hub for training the next generation of sports professionals in Nigeria, reaffirming the University’s commitment to sustaining the vision of its founding fathers. He emphasized that with the right support, UNIJOS will continue to soar to even greater heights.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and proud UNIJOS alumnus, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who graced the event, described the University as a “beacon of hope” that has produced outstanding leaders across Nigeria. He urged alumni to give back to their alma mater and contribute to its continued growth, stating that “the greatness of the University of Jos lies not in its structures, but in the men and women it produces.”

Dogara commended the University’s management for sustaining the founding vision and called for renewed commitment to investing in the institution’s future.

The 50th-anniversary celebrations also recognized distinguished alumni, including Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and other notable figures who have contributed immensely to national development.