The University of Jos has inaugurated its newly elected SUG executives for the 2024/2025 academic session. The inauguration took place on November 29th, 2024 at the Red Chambers in the Faculty of Law.
The election was conducted on November 20th, 2024 with about 3,000 students as electorates. However, only students who had paid their fees were eligible to vote as this was the criteria.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, in his speech appreciated the students for turning out to witness the inauguration. He then congratulated the outgoing excos for their commitment and service to the university. He said, “I will not congratulate the new executives, but I will only commiserate with them. I would rather congratulate the outgoing executives.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. Rahila Plangnan Gowon, celebrated Jane Pwajok’s victory as a milestone for women around the world. She stated that “this is the first time the SUG executive has had more than three females as executives.”
She further encouraged Jane to be strong and confident in her administration.
In the same spirit, comrade Ene Obi, expressed her excitement for witnessing the event. She said, “I am very excited to be on my feet today after 35 years and I am very happy to witness another history breaking event.”
Dr Christopher Piwuna, the Dean of Student Affairs, expressed gratitude to the students for their good conduct during the election process. He further appreciated the faculty presidents for the efforts put in during the election, promising that the Directorate of Student Affairs would continue to work with the faculty presidents, to ensure proper running of activities. “A sum of 1.6 million naira was acquired from the sale of forms, and the money would undoubtedly be given to the newly elected executives for their take off.” He explained.
In an interview session with the newly elected SUG President, Jane Pwajok Kangyang, she disclosed that her administration is ready to carry students along.
She added that “from the direction of our campaign, we had focused on credibility, competence and capacity building. We had programmes like breast cancer awareness, inter-faculty debates and that direction was to get us on a path not just for progress but also to make the University community know that we are here because of them.”
According to her, the first thing they will embark on is partnership, and she will ensure that they partner with NGOs, organisations and companies to sponsor students programmes.
Mr Obi Michael, a student and supporter of Jane Pwajok, expressed his excitement on the newly inaugurated executive, saying, “It is indeed a happy one and we are very proud to have a female president in person of Jane Kangyang Pwajok, and we are optimistic about having women for the union and I feel Jane is going to do well.”
In the same spirit of celebration, Jemimah Pwajok, a 300-level student of medicine and surgery expressed her happiness over Jane’s victory which she described as a record breaking event and a milestone. I can’t wait to see Jane do exploits.” She said.
Similarly, Mr Patrick Panan, a 400 level student of the agricultural economics and extension department, expressed that he feels Jane will make a good president. He said, “I feel it is a good inauguration because of the SUG President elect. She will make a good president for us, and she will take the University to a greater height, because from what I saw in her manifesto, she really has foresight for the University.”
The new SUG executives who were sworn in are: Jane Kangyang Pwajok (President), Mercy Oma (Vice president), Dauda Jonathan Shupkuk (Secretary General), David Esla Malibi (Assistant Secretary General), Dafet Jude Timothy (Financial secretary), Dawam Anane Amos (Welfare secretary), Muengnenka lar Illiya (PRO), Emmanuel Ritdung Goyit (Treasurer), Okpanachi Friday Daniel (Director of Socials), Augustine Bulus Azi (Director of Sports), Emmanuel Kopzang Obadiah (Sales Secretary).
The event witnessed notable personalities like Prof. Othman Ibrahim, the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Nancy King, the Head of Department of Theater and Film Arts, Mr Daniel Yakmut Inusa, the ICT Director among others.
Report and Photo by Yanaangoeret Darugun (SUG Correspondent) (5/5)
Edited by Isama Peace Anyaole
