Plateau varsity to honour Emir of Zazzau at convocations
The Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Mallam Nuhu Bamali, will on Saturday be instated as the new Chancellor of the University of Jos as the institution holds 33rd and 34th convocations on Saturday.
According to Tribune, this was made known by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Tanko Ishaya, during a pre-convocation press conference at the Senate Chamber of the university.
Prof. Ishaya explained that the Chancellor will also be conferred with the Doctor of Laws Degree, LL.D. Honorris Causa in company with two other eminent Nigerians: Professor Elias Bogoro with an Engineering degree as well as the former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, who will receive Doctors of Letters.
Speaking on the graduating students, the Vice Chancellor revealed that a total of 20,532 students will graduate, out of whom 112 will graduate with first-class honors.
He stated further that the people to be presented for the award of various certificates during the convocation represent the best of the institution.
He said they consist 159 PhDs, 3,669 Masters, 281 postgraduate diplomas, 11, 281 Bachelors, and 5,142 from affiliate institutions, adding that in the classifications, First Class 112, Second Class Honors (Upper Division) 3093, Second Class (Lower Division) 6325, Third Class 1361, Pass Division 281 while Pass Qualified for Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine Program 109
While speaking on the achievements of the university, the vice chancellor explained that his administration has always made concerted efforts by drawing the attention of donor grants and other funding support to improve the university’s academic standards.
“In this regard, the University of Jos has secured a 250 million Naira grant from the Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) Africa Initiative under the auspices of the foundation’s Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme. The scheme is part of ASR Africa’s intervention towards undertaking infrastructure projects in universities and institutions of learning across Nigeria.
“To fulfill this requirement, the university management and other relevant stakeholders considered our different areas of needs and agreed that due to the fact that UNIJOS is hosting the next edition of NUGA Games in 2024, the grant should be utilized to develop outdoor courts and spectator stands as part of the designed sports complex,” he said.
Professor Ishaya further added that despite the instability recently experienced in the nation’s tertiary educational system, the university has created a synergy, partnerships, and networks with external bodies, institutions, and agencies that are yielding tangible results.