In a groundbreaking outcome, Jane Kangyang Pwajok was elected president of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the University of Jos. Her victory followed a tense and inconclusive election held on November 14, 2024, which was rescheduled to November 20, 2024, due to technical issues with the ICT department’s inability to provide results.
The election results were announced by Dr. Othman Ibrahim, head of the student electoral committee. Jane Kangyang Pwajok triumphed with impressive votes numbering 1,682, surpassing her closest rival Kiku Roy Magaji, who received 969 votes. Other contenders, including Francis Perembo, Izam Samuel Musa, and Ayuba Chollom Yakubu, secured 118, 54, and 24 votes, respectively.
In her victory speech, Jane Kangyang Pwajok expressed heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to fulfilling her mandate:
“I just want to appreciate everyone who came out to exercise their franchise by voting. I look forward to defending the confidence you have in me by not just meeting but exceeding your expectations. Once again, thank you so much.”
The Vice-Presidential position was claimed by Gabriel Mercy Oma, who won with 2,274 votes against her opponent, Nyenge Uershia Benita, who garnered 506 votes. Mercy expressed her excitement and dedication in her acceptance speech:
“This is one of the happiest days of my life. I want to thank Jossites and everyone who played a part in this. I will not let anyone down. I am here to serve, I have to come to serve, and I will serve as I have promised. Great Jossites, thank you!”
Dafet Jude Timothy was elected Financial Secretary with 2,232 votes, defeating Atia Ternenge Thomas, who secured 311 votes, and Adeniran Oluwatosinmile Adebanjo, who received 51 votes. Dafet expressed his gratitude and promised to fulfill his manifesto with the support of the student body: “Thank you to everyone for your prayers, support, and endorsement.
I promise to uphold my manifesto with the help of God and the support of all students. Together, we will strengthen our union.”
The results for the other contested positions were as follows: Secretary General, Dauda Jonathan Shupkuk emerged victorious with 2,308 votes, while Alabani Daniel Okudu received 381 votes.
For the unopposed positions, students voted with either “Yes” or “No”.
Assistant Secretary General, David Esla Malibi received 1,329 “Yes” votes and 20 “No” votes. Sales Secretary Emmanuel Kopzang Obadiah received 1,388 “Yes” votes and 12 “No” votes. PRO, Muengnenka Lar Iliya received 1,373 “Yes” votes and 26 “No” votes. Director of Socials, Okpanachi Friday Daniel received 996 “Yes” votes and 624 “No” votes.
The election results have sparked excitement and optimism among students. So much exhilaration has greeted the historic victory of Jane Kangyang Pwajok, marking a new chapter in the University’s leadership. Joy Daniel Jato, a supporter from the Linguistics and Nigerian Languages Department, shared her excitement:
“History has been made. Jane Kangyang is the first female president ever. This shows her hard work and dedication. Hard work truly pays off, and this is the best day of my life at this University. Yes, we won, and nothing can change that.”
Naamanplang also expressed her admiration for Jane. “I met Jane a few months ago, and her doggedness, courage, and boldness inspired me to support her. She is the most courageous person I have ever met. She contested and dared to change the status quo, and she has won. As the first female president of the University of Jos, now it will become normal for women to contest for such positions.”
This victory signals a turning point for the University of Jos, ushering in a new era of leadership and inspiration for future generations of women to aspire for such positions of power and influence. Students are looking forward to the impact of this historic team and the positive changes they will bring to the University community.
Jane Kangyang Pwajok will be taking over from Sambo Nancwat Peter who was elected 22 April, 2024.
Report by Ogunleye Samuel Richard and Patience Usman (SUG Correspondent) (3/5)
Photos by Yanaangoert Darugun
