The Vice chancellor of the University of Jos Professor Tanko Ishaya, on Sunday, December 1, 2024 celebrated his 3 years anniversary in office at the Chapel of Faith University of Jos to show gratitude to God for His infinite mercy and love for bringing him this far in his journey as the vice chancellor of the University.
In the VC’s speech he said, “Today generally marks the beginning of celebration and thanksgiving to God for our existence, we are here to thank God on behalf of the University community for keeping this great University, the University of Jos”. He expressed his gratitude to God for the peace that has reigned in Jos during his term in office despite that there were times when the university community was sent threatening messages, the university held unto the word of God in prayers and God has kept the university safe.
He also stated the recent incident which happened on the 15th of August 2024, where 20 medical students were kidnapped, 13 from the University of Jos and by the grace of God all were released alive without being molested. The Vice chancellor stated that the 3 years in office has not been easy as all of us have experienced one challenge or the other. But after casting thoughts back, the VC has been able to make some achievements and also built further on what the predecessors have se in place. He appreciate God for his family and the entire University as he sets to organize another Thanksgiving that will cut across all churches on campus.
In an interview with the Executive Director of the Advancement Office UNIJOS, Professor Sarah Lwahas said there is no institution in the society that does not face challenges as the Vice chancellor and he has done his best in making sure that the university has a smooth sailing. She says “One achievement of the VC that stood out for me is his desire to have a sport facility for the University not only for NUGA games but for a continuous use. It takes a man of vision to have that kind of plan for the institution. If UNIJOS has this kind of facility every game in Nigeria can utilize the facility.
Also, Professor Stephen Sunday, a lecturer with the faculty of natural science, commended the VC on his achievements although there have been issues of insecurity but the leadership of the university have tried to tackle such. He also mentioned the challenge of the universities having to pay the electricity bill from JED. The achievement that stood out for him is the establishment of the faculty of computing and the buildings set up for the faculty. Other faculties have been moved to the permanent site such as veterinary medicine as well as other renovations in the staff quarters.
Speaking with a 300 level student of the department of mass communication Mudan Delman she says” I believe the VC has done well so far and our learning experience under his administration has been commendable and we hope for the best”. She also mentioned the establishment of new structures in the university which has enabled better learning for students.
The Vice chancellor who assumed office in 2021 has done a whole lot for the betterment of the University community and hopes to do more as he rounds up his final year in office.
The thanksgiving service was graced by the presence of the former Vice-Chancellor Professor Hayward Babale Mufayai (2011-2016) and his wife Barrister Kyenpia Mafuyai, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Professor Rahila Plagnan Gowon, Dean of students affairs Professor Christopher Piwuna, former registrar Mr Monday Danjem, former Vice chancellor PLASU Professor Yohanna Izang, ASSU chairman UNIJOS chapter Professor Jurbe Molowus, Executive Director of the Advancement Office UNIJOS Professor Sarah Lwahas and other dignitaries in and outside the Universiy of Jos community.
Report and Photo by Sophie Gideon (5/5)
Edited by Israel Fakwagh Ciboh
