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Tag: University of Jos

  • Jos varsity matriculates 7,000 freshers

    The University of Jos on Wednesday matriculated 7000 new students into its 12 faculties.

    Prof. Sebastian Maimako, its Vice Chancellor, in his speech, warned the new students against cultism and other anti-social activities capable of truncating their educational pursuits.

    He said that 31,759 candidates applied to the school out of which the 7000 were picked for the 2016/2017 session, and advised the new students to take their stories seriously.

    Maimako said that the objective of the matriculation was to acquaint the new students with fundamental principles, norms and culture of the institution, and advised them to abide by its rules and regulations.

    He also advised them to participate in all activities of the institution, especially sports, religious clubs and other societies, but said that such activities should not be at the detriment of their studies.

    The official emphasised the importance of the social media to their studies, but urged the students to use it responsibly.

    “You should use the social media for only positive things that will add value to your stay in the university,” he counseled.

    He warned students against publishing anything concerning the university without the written permission of the Vice Chancellor through the Registrar, and assured them of adequate security while on campus.

    Mr Myom Jime, one of the new students, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that he was excited to be in the University of Jos.

    Jime, a student of Faculty of Environmental Sciences, promised to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution so as to attain his ambition of becoming a quantity surveyor.

    “Even before I became a student, I knew that joining wrong groups would hinder my efforts towards achieving my goals in life. So, I will have no time for any such group,” he said

  • My music is inspirational – Aramide

    My music is inspirational – Aramide

    Renowned Afro-Soul musician, Aramide Sarumoh, popularly known as ‘Aramide’ has described her music as inspirational and not determined by circumstances around her or other external influences.

    Aramide, the ‘Funmi Lowo’ crooner, made the revelation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    On the inspiration behind her hit song, Fun mi Lowo (give me my money), Aramide said that the song had nothing to do with the crashed ponzi scheme but an inspiration from her.

    “My hit song Fun mi Lowo has nothing to do with MMM or any Ponzi scheme, I can’t do it and I don’t see myself talking about it.

    “The song is about some faceless people working out there but not getting paid. It talks about the dignity of labour and not a fast way of making money.

    “I appreciate my fans for their support all this while. They are the true inspiration and reason I am still carrying on.

    “I also want my fans to keep supporting me and also watch out for my new album “Why So Serious.’’

    Aramide, a graduate of Political Science from the University of Jos, first hit the limelight in 2014 with her hit song “Iwo Nikan”.

    The album won her Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the 2015 edition of Headies.

    The multi-talented songwriter, who equally plays the saxophone and guitar, started her music career in 2006 at the `Star Quest’, a music talent show as 3rd Runners Up of the contestant.

    She was also part of the “Diva Unplugged’’ show in Jos in 2014. Aramide is currently signed to Baseline Music.

  • N45,000 new fee a directive from FG – Jos varsity

    N45,000 new fee a directive from FG – Jos varsity

    The Management of the University of Jos has said that its new charges of N45,000, a 67 per cent increase from the former N27,000, was a directive from the Federal Government.

    A statement by Mr Monday Danjem, the Registrar, said on Saturday in Jos, that the fee was compulsory for all undergraduates.

    Danjem was reacting to a directive by the Students Union Government (SUG), asking students not to pay the reviewed fee.

    “The statement is to clarify issues raised by the students union, which are capable of misleading students and members of the public, into believing that management just decided to hike the charges,” he said.

    He advised students seeking to be accepted by the school to pay the new charges at the commencement of the 2016/2017 academic session.

    The statement said that the university received the directive to review the charges from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Jan. 22, 2015, and presented it before the Governing Council and Senate, who both ratified it for implementation.

    He faulted the students’ claims that the university was charging tuition fees.

    “The students will only pay charges approved by government and captured in the budget.

    “Every charge is tied to a specific cost for the services provided like hostel maintenance, students health insurance, library, ICT bandwidth and network maintenance, I.D. card among several others.

    “The charges are verifiable facts and are clearly listed in the university’s school charges schedule,” he said.

    Danjem said that the old charges were no longer realistic in view of the increase in the cost of most goods and services like cleaning services, electricity and other utilities, accreditation expenses, stationery, examination expenses, among others.

    “For instance, we used to pay a monthly charge of N12 million for electricity supply per month, but that has gone up to N23 million. We must take steps to make up for the shortfall,” he said.

    He said that management consulted widely before implementing the new charges, and particularly noted that it held three meetings with the SUG, before taking a final decision.

    “It was in this spirit of openness and transparency that management also convened a meeting with parents and guardians during which it was collectively resolved that the new charges be implemented,” he said.

  • Jos varsity students reject N45,000 fee, urges management to be considerate

    Students of the University of Jos have kicked against the N45,000 new school fees, and  appealed to management to be “more considerate in view of the hard times”.

    The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sabastian Maimako, recently announced the review of the fees, from N27,000 to N45,000, citing dwindling budgetary allocations, rising bills and the need to upgrade some materials.

    Maimako said that the figure was endorsed by parents, old students and other stakeholders at a meeting in Jos, where all factors were considered.

    But Mr Sydney Daman, President of the institution’s chapter of the Students Union Government (SUG), who briefed newsmen on Friday in Jos, described the new charges as “too harsh”.

    “The university attributed the increase to the economic recession, but it is clear that students are worst hit by current realities,” he said.

    Daman appealed to the students to “hold-on a bit”.

    “No student should be in a hurry to pay the new fees. We are consulting with management and shall communicate the final agreement to everyone,” he said

    He said that the students union had met with management “three times”, where it discussed the fee issue and sought for a figure that was favourable for both parties, but that management eventually did as it wished.

    “We have not exhausted all the options; we are still appealing and shall continue to meet all stakeholders,” he said.

    Daman, however, called on students to be “responsible, mature and peaceful” while supporting the struggle for a downward review of the charges.

    The students’ leader faulted management’s claim that parents and guardians had accepted the hike at a stakeholders meeting.

    “The university has 18,000 students; less than 100 parents/guardians attended the meeting, while SUG officials who attended the meeting were barred from talking. So, it is not right to claim that there was fair hearing,” he said.

     

  • University of Jos seeks PLHA’s support to rebuild burnt library

    University of Jos seeks PLHA’s support to rebuild burnt library

    Prof. Sabastian Maimako, Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Jos, has solicited the support of the Plateau House of Assembly toward rebuilding the institution’s burnt library.

    Maimaiko Made the appeal on Thursday in Jos, when he led the school’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Mr. Peter Azi.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the library complex, which houses faculties of social sciences and management sciences, was gutted by fire on Oct. 8, 2016.

    Maimako described the fire disaster as “very devastating”, and disclosed that the destruction was “very massive”.

    He said that it would cost the school “a huge fortune” to rebuild the burnt edifice.

    Maimako further expressed fears that the university might be forced to stop running some courses because the fire created infrastructure deficit.

    “Two whole faculties, with a total of six departments were lost to the fire; with such a big structure no longer standing, you will agree with me that academic activities will suffer.

    “Mr Speaker, we have come to solicit for the support of the assembly in whichever way you can. We want to rebuild the burnt library and shall appreciate any kindness that will facilitate that,” he said.

    Responding, Azi said that the visit was timely, and promised to support the institution.

    “University of Jos remains one of the pride of Plateau; we shall go to any length to support it to thrive because its fate is tied to our future,” he said.

     

  • UniJos: Ochekpe, Nmadu re-appointed as DVCs

    UniJos: Ochekpe, Nmadu re-appointed as DVCs

    The Governing Council of the University of Jos has re-appointed Prof. Nelson Ochekpe and Prof. Teresa Nmadu as Deputy Vice-Chancellors, for a second term of two years.

    Ochekpe was re-appointed deputy vice-chancellor, academic, while Nmadu takes charge of DVC, administration.

    The re-appointments were announced in a statement signed Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi, Principal Assistant Registrar, Information and Publications, in Jos on Wednesday.

    Abdullahi said the decision to reappoint the DVCs was taken by the Council at its meeting of Dec. 19, 2016.

    According to him, the re-appointments will take effect from Dec. 8, 2016.

    Ochekpe is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Member of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists as well as Nigeria Association of Academic Pharmacists, among others.

    Nmadu is the first woman to be appointed to the position of DVC in the University of Jos.

    She was employed in January 1993 and had held several academic and administrative positions, including Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, Director, Division of General Studies, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Head of Department, Management Sciences, among others.

  • 26 Professors battle for Unijos VC post

    26 Professors battle for Unijos VC post

    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.

  • University don tasks media on coverage of rural areas

    Mr Monday Goshit, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Jos, has charged the Nigerian media to ensure effective coverage of rural communities.
    Goshit gave the charge  in an interview with the Mr Monday Goshit in Jos on Wednesday.
    “The living conditions in the rural areas are very appalling. The people do not have even the most basic of human needs, but these hardships are not reported because the media hardly reflect these horrible situations,” he said.
    He regretted that the rural areas only get a mention when a big shot is visiting them or during emergencies like epidemic or violence.

     

    While noting that the current government is working to change Nigerians’ negative attitudes that had stalled the nation’s growth over the years, he expressed fear that the initiatives may not succeed “unless the rural dwellers are carried along and made to participate”.

     

    “World Bank reports have always indicated that more than 70 per cent of the population live in the rural areas.
    “The reports have also confirmed that most of those people live in poverty-stricken conditions.
    “We cannot move forward and succeed as a nation if that huge segment of the population is left behind because, ultimately, the success or otherwise of the drive to reduce poverty will be determined by the impact on such rural poor,” he said.
    Goshit lauded the Federal Government’s moves to diversify the economy and minimise over-dependence on the oil sector, but wondered how that dream could come to fruition if the rural farmer was not encouraged to produce enough to sustain his family and also export.

     

    “Aside agriculture, the solid minerals sector is also being considered as an alternative foreign exchange earner, but if we do not report developments in the rural areas where most of the mining activities take place, success will be difficult because policy makers will not be properly guided,” he said.

     

    The university don noted that the media was concentrating “too much” on politics and the lives of the elites.
    “Politics seem to do dominate most discourse on radio and in the newspapers.
    “Journalists chase sensational stories that concern a very few number of persons, while leaving out major issues that affect the lives of people,” he said.
    Goshit recalled that most rural communities in Plateau had come down with cholera and other waterborne diseases like gastroenthritis owing to lack of good water and basic sanitation in the villages.

     

    “Unfortunately, we hardly hear of these deprivations. We only hear of the consequences when they reach frightening dimensions and become epidemics,” he said.

     

    The lecturer called for more human interest stories that would reflect other areas of life outside politics, and stressed the need for journalists to report issues like the effects of the lack of roads and bridges, as well as the need for strong markets where farmers could sell their produce.

     

    “There are also farming, hunting and fishing festivals and competitions in some rural communities which should be highlighted to encourage the rural dwellers to have a sense of belonging,” he said.

     

    Goshit said that the nation risk total apathy from the rural dwellers, who had continued to feel that they were only remembered for electoral purposes and quickly forgotten after elections are won

  • Unijos, mining institute sign MoU for partnership

    Unijos, mining institute sign MoU for partnership

    The University of Jos and the Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geo-Sciences Jos, on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding for partnership on development, teaching and learning of mining engineering.

    The partnership, signed in Jos, also involves mineral processing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, signed on behalf of the institution while Prof. Idowu Odeyemi, the institute’s Provost, signed for the mining outfit.

    The Vice Chancellor said the memorandum would ensure the creation of a faculty of mining engineering in the university.

    “With the facilities at the mining institute, the two institutions should meet the nation’s needs for professional as well as skilled manpower for the mining and mineral industry in Nigeria.

    “The professionals will be expected to use knowledge and facilities at the mining institute to train more personnel and equip them for national service,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, Odeyemi said the event would foster a more beneficial relationship between both institutions toward improving the mining sector.

    “The signing of the memorandum signifies the interest of the two institutions to partner in the development of practical and skill-oriented mining education for students of both institutions.

    “Actually, it has become necessary for the two institutions to come together to uplift the mining education in the country.

    “This ceremony signifies the beginning of mutual cooperation between the two institutions that will, hopefully, last forever.

    “We are also set to impart skills to anyone who is interested in basic mining processing such as lapidary (stone cutting) and gemology,” he added.

    Odeyemi commended the management of the university of Jos for accepting the deal and expressed optimism that it would ensure quality mining education.