26 professors from various disciplines have been invited for interview between 19th and 21st April for the post of University of Jos, Vice Chancellor.
The out going V.C, Prof. Hayward Babale Mafuyai’s tenure will end on the 20th June 2016.
Prominent on list of the candidates are Prof. Ezekiel Best, Dean social sciences, Prof Dung Pam Sha, Director, Office of Research, Prof Audu Nanven Gambo, immediate Past Director, Centre for conflict management and peace studies, Prof Yilkur N. Lohdip, Director Academic Planning, and Prof Sebastian Maimako, dean , Management Sciences.
Other strong contenders are Prof Isaac Lar of English Dept, Prof Umar Danfulani, immediate past Dean of Arts, Prof G. O. Akpa, former V.C, Kwararafa University, Wukari,Prof. Thomas Baba Bingel of History, Prof Andrew Haruna, current vice chancellor, Federal University Gashua, Prof Francis Ojaide of Accounting, Prof H.A Lar of Geosciences, Prof Dimis Mailafia of Economics, Prof Abraham Mallum of Education, prof Daniel Dabi of Geography and Planning, Prof N.K. Dakum , former Dean of Medical Sciences, and a female candidate, prof Naomi James Rugu, Director of SIWES.
Seven Candidates from other universities made up of Prof Ashom Musa of Abuja University, Prof Bala Dogo of NDA University, Prof J.S.Rabo, Prof. E.J Nwana, Prof D.I Jaja, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh Ijodda and Dr. Joseph Maangut are also in for the hot battle.
Members of the University of Jos community are worried about the high number of those wanting to be the Vice Chancellor. This is the highest in the history of the 40 years old institution, and probably in Nigeria. No one is sure of who would emerge as the Vice Chancellor, as the autonomy granted federal universities, made the appointment of vice chancellors sole of affairs of each university, without direct interference by the Visitor (president).
The University of Jos governing council, under the chairmanship of Chief Dr. Don Etiebet, with representatives from the university senate will conduct the interview, and announce the winner within 24 hours. The candidates would be expected to unfold their dream plans for the University, at the interview, and panel members will ask them questions from their presentations, and issues relating to the University administration, with emphasis on the university of Jos peculiarities.
The candidates’ interaction with ASUU, was very fruitful, helping members of the University community present at the Thursday 15th April interaction to know what the candidates are made of.Prof. Ezekiel Best, dean of social sciences, was seen as a good material, considering his staff-students relationship, making his office as dean accessible to all, and for transforming the centre for continuing education when he was the director as some of his achievements. Best was also praised for always taking his lectures.
Prof Pam Dung Sha, whose inaugural lecture drew the whole University population to the Multi-purpose Auditorium, was seen as an excellent academic and administrator. As head of Political Science, he introduced many new professional courses; ensure discipline among staff and students. He was acknowledged as a man of vision when he served as Deputy Dean of Social Sciences, and later of Post Graduate School, before his current appointment as Director, office of the Research.
Prof. Audu Nanven Gambo won the students heart, when he was Deputy Dean of Students Affairs. He was said to battle the cult activities, sanitize hostel allocation, and ensured welfare of students. His success at student affairs, probably led to his appointment as Director, Centre for conflict management and peace studies and his election by the senate to the University Council along with Prof Sha.
Another candidate that may spring surprise is Prof Sebastian Maimako, dean of Management Sciences. He is a core academician, one time deputy dean of social sciences and the pioneer Deputy Dean of Management Sciences. He has served in various senate committees, known for his passion for the University of Jos and his desire to see the university grow may be his driving force.
Also to make in road is Prof Yilkur Lohdip, a former Dean of Natural Sciences, and current Director of Academic Planning. This is his second attempt to the office of the V.C. Lohdip’s experience in Academic Planning would no doubt add value to his outing and performance in office, if appointed.
Prof. Isaac of English Dept is man to watch. He is highly principled, disciplined, with a clear vision for the University. A former chairman, Board of Elders of the chapel of Faith, in the University, his integrity and dedication to duty will work in his favour.
Prof. Umar Danfulani was said to get the second position in the interview that brought the out going V.C. to the office. An international scholar, who has mentored younger scholars outside his faculty, he is a person that can attract various grants to the university. Prof Andrew Haruna, who is currently the vice chancellor of Federal University, Gashua, was a leading contender before his appointment. It is not certain if he will attend the interview or hold to the new appointment.
Two weeks ago, 52 years old Monday Danjem, emerged as the new Registrar of the University. He came top of four other candidates, in a keenly contested interview.
Chief Monday Danjem had his first degree from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Master Degree in Public Administration, at the University of Jos. He was Deputy Registrar, Senior staff establishment, and later Deputy Registrar, V.C‘s office. He will assume office on 21st June, 2016.
