By Hwok Nathaniel Gang
The Association of Igala Students, University of Jos, held its 23rd coronation to crown the new king and queen. The event which was held at the institution’s ASUU Secretariat last Saturday, featured a welcome special for new students as well as lectures from traditional heads.
Gracing the occasion was His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim of Igala, the Secretary to Chief Acheme, and Dr Alpha Alang, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, with over 100 student participants.
The event was aimed at promoting cultural display, food, talk, and dance and also getting Igala students of the Unijos chapter to know and relate to each other.
Ata John Paul Omale, the outgoing president of the Igala student association, appreciated everyone for making time to support and attend the event and also stressed that the primary aim of the association is to ensure unity and promote love among Igala students of the University of Jos chapter.
He further explained that Igala students are not known for hatred nor disunity, but are known for their unending love and dedication towards what is right. He urged students to remain loyal to their superiors and take their studies seriously.
“We are not known for hatred nor disunity, under the establishment of this organization we have fostered good and meaningful relationships among Igala students of the University of Jos, I am greatly indebted to you all for making this event a wonderful one”
HRH. Alhaji Ibrahim expressed his happiness, seeing young students promoting their culture and showcasing the Igala way of life to the world, he further explained the need for unity among Igala students and reiterated his commitment to helping students with special needs.
“I am happy to see you young people promoting the Igala culture through the food and dance, my door will always be open for this association if the need arises”
Dr Alpha who was featured in a talk session shared his experience as the most popular and social Igala student during his time, he advised students to stay focused on their academic activities and encouraged them to seek clarification if need be and to also allocate time for each aspect of their lives. He further stated that students fail exams because of overconfidence, fear of failure, and distraction.
He believes that everyone is good in their own way. But one has to discover himself and understand what method of learning best fits him.
Miss Bashir Jamila, a 300-level student from the Department of Library and Information Science was crowned the new Iyeh (Miss Igala). The new queen said the association was established to foster good relationships and promote cultural heritage. She promised to work hand-in-hand with Ata (Mr. Igala) to promote the unity of Igala students through the establishment of interactive programs that will bring about peace and harmony among members.
Abubakar Yakubu, a 300-level student of physics education who emerged as the new Ata(president) of Igala students, also promised to use his position as the president of the association to create a good relationship between Igala and none-Igala students and the association with the school as a whole.
HRH. Alhaji Ibrahim crowned the new king Ata Abubakar Yakubu and the queen Iyeh Bashir Jamila with royal attires, he appreciated the former executives and urged the newly elected to perform their duties fairly without sentiments.
This year’s event concluded with cultural dance displayed by the Igala dance group, and also Showcasing their traditional food as a signature of Igala culture.
