…Marks golden jubilee

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has announced that 60,000 students will graduate during its 35th and 36th combined convocation ceremony, which coincides with the institution’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing held in his office at the permanent site if the University.

Professor Ishaya, who also marked his fourth year in office on 1 December, described the moment as historic for the University, and noted that the twin events offer an opportunity to celebrate both recent achievements and five decades of academic growth.

Providing a breakdown of the graduating cohort, he revealed that 9,236 students would receive diplomas, 37,741 would be awarded first degrees, while 13,023 would earn postgraduate qualifications.

As part of the Golden Jubilee activities, he recalled that the media had been earlier briefed about the anniversary plans, and added that the convocation would feature an Anniversary Lecture to be delivered by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), with the Golden Jubilee Dinner scheduled for 12 December.

The Vice-Chancellor however highlighted several longstanding challenges, and noted that UNIJOS, despite being a second-generation university, did not receive a take-off grant at inception, forcing it to play “catch-up” with its peers.

He also cited inadequate funding, infrastructural deficits, land encroachment, illegal mining activities, staff shortages, and the high cost of energy as pressures affecting growth and accreditation requirements.

Despite these constraints, he expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, TETFund, NUC, REA, development partners, security agencies, and individuals who have supported the University.

Professor Ishaya reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening its foundations, honouring the vision of its founding fathers, and building enduring legacies, and called on stakeholders to join in celebrating both the graduands and UNIJOS at 50, emphasising a shared responsibility in advancing the institution’s future.