Jos – In order to restock with books the main library of the University of Jos which was razed by fire two weeks ago, principal officers of the institution including the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, among others have agreed to contribute N1million each to assist in the task of getting learning materials for students in the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, who announced the contribution yesterday during an event tagged “Beauty from Ashes” held at the main campus of the University along Bauchi road, Jos said that the effort is aimed at “bringing back the library to life.”

Maimako said that an integrity test has been conducted on the structure by relevant bodies and it has been certified fit for use but stressed that there was an urgent need to renovate the burnt library and restock it for the benefit of the University community.

According to him, “The six principal officers of the University have agreed to voluntarily contribute N1million each. This is our desire to lead by example and we urge Deans, Directors, staff of the University and students to contribute for the `Beauty from Ashes’ project’.”

The VC added that contributions were not limited to money alone as stakeholders are free to also contribute books, journals and other materials which would make the library rich for scholars’ use.

Also speaking, the institution’s Librarian, Dr. Stephen Akintunde added that since the incident, library services have continued in other campuses of the University and advised students to visit other campuses to access the electronic library of the institution.

However, the Director of Advancement Office, University of Jos, Mr. Yakubu Gomos whose responsibility is to link the school with its alumni, promised to contact the alumni members for assistance.

Meanwhile, sympathizers continue to throng the office of the Vice-Chancellor to commiserate with the University community over the unfortunate incident with the latest being the National Librarian, Dr. Muna Okpara who promised that the institution will be assisted to get its e-library back on track so that users within and outside the University community will continue to benefit from its usefulness.

Others who visited the VC included the President of the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Dr. Dachollom Datiri and the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba.