The Department of Business Administration at the University of Jos has undergone significant transformations since its inception. Initially known as the Department of Management Sciences, it has evolved into its current form.
The University of Jos Senate formally recognized the department’s separation from Accounting and Management Sciences in 2004. The department officially began operations in August 2004, with Prof. Sebastian S. Maimako as its first head (2004-2006). Subsequent heads include Prof. Teresa M. Nmadu (2006-2008), Prof. Sebastian S. Maimako (2008-2015), Dr. Meshak G. Goyit (2015-2020), and currently, Dr. Linus J. Vem.
The Department of Business Management, located within the Faculty of Management Sciences, has established itself as a cornerstone of academic excellence. As one of the pioneering departments in the faculty, it has produced an impressive array of distinguished alumni, including a Vice Chancellor at the University of Jos and a Deputy Vice Chancellor.
According to Dr. Emeka Ogidi, a senior lecturer in the department, “The department’s primary aim is to produce world-class, strategic managers who can lead individual businesses into the future.” He emphasized the department’s commitment to excellence, citing its housing of various programs, including the incoming Department of Entrepreneurship and the soon-to-be-established Jos Business School.
Dr. Ogidi acknowledged the department’s past challenges, including the lack of a dedicated complex and offices as it got burnt and they lost a lot of files and documents belonging to the department. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sebastine Maimako, which enabled the department to secure its own complex and individual offices.
The department boasts a rich history, having been one of the first two departments established in the Faculty of Management Sciences, alongside Accounting. Today, it stands as a testament to academic excellence, producing graduates who excel in various fields.
Dr. Ogidi encouraged prospective students to enroll in the department, promising that they would receive the best education and urging them to develop digital skills.
Joy Ochanya, a 400-level Business Management student, highlighted the unavailability of lecturers, which often leads to cancelled classes. “We sometimes wait for lectures that never hold, and this can be frustrating,” she said. Ochanya also emphasized the acute shortage of facilities, including classrooms, which forces students to endure congested and uncomfortable learning environments. “It’s frustrating to attend lectures in overcrowded classrooms with inadequate seating and poor ventilation,” she said.
Additionally, Ochanya lamented the financial burden placed on students due to the lack of classes on campus. “We often have to spend extra money on transportation to attend classes that are supposed to hold, only to find out that the classes have been cancelled or rescheduled,” she explained.
Oveh Alex, a 300-level Business Management student, shared his insights on how business management education can better prepare students for the modern workforce. According to Alex, the key to success lies in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity among students. Alex emphasized that the skills acquired through business management education are essential for creating jobs and driving economic growth. “When you have your own business, you need to be creative and innovative in terms of skills development,” he said. To better prepare students for the modern workforce, Alex suggested that business management education should focus on developing practical skills, such as entrepreneurship, financial management, and marketing.
Joy Davou, a 400-level Business Management student, shared her thoughts on the department’s efforts to prepare students for the job market. Davou emphasized the importance of developing decision-making and strategic management skills. Davou’s aspirations reflect the department’s focus on providing students with a solid foundation in business principles. The department’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the business world.
Samuel Bala, a 300-level Business Management student, shared his plans for continuous learning and skill development. Bala emphasized the importance of active participation in class, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence. Bala has also taken the initiative to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. He has started a small business venture, selling chains, which serves as a valuable learning experience. “By running my own business, I’m able to train myself in essential skills such as marketing, finance, and customer service,” Bala said.
Reports and Photos by Dabuahat Rejoice moris (Business Administration Correspondent) (5/5)
Edited by Israel Fakwagh Ciboh
