The University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with government bodies at all tiers, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations to elevate UNIJOS as a premier center of academic excellence and innovative research, not only within Nigeria but throughout Africa and globally.
Dr. Gad Shamaki, the nigeria-prison-congestion-nba/” title=”Inside …'s Overcrowded Prisons: Insights from the NBA President”>association’s global president, shared this vision during an interview with LEADERSHIP in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, coinciding with the university‘s 50th anniversary celebrations.
He emphasized that reaching the half-century mark is more than a mere milestone; it represents a legacy of perseverance, development, achievements, and challenges-a testament to the dedication of individuals who valued education as a transformative force.
Dr. Shamaki highlighted that UNIJOS has been instrumental in shaping influential figures across various sectors, including government leadership, entrepreneurship, scientific innovation, and the arts, with numerous alumni embodying the institution’s core principles on the global stage.
He encouraged alumni to actively engage in an upcoming lecture organized jointly by the alumni association and the Department of Sociology, titled “Violence and Insecurity in Central Nigeria: Nature, Causes, Policy Responses, and Remedies for Sustainable Peace and Development.”
Reflecting on this significant anniversary, the global president remarked, “Our focus must now turn to the future trajectory of the university. The legacy of the next fifty years will be determined by the actions and commitments of its alumni and supporters today.”
He further asserted that the university’s essence extends beyond its physical infrastructure-classrooms, auditoriums, and facilities-to the brilliant minds it has cultivated. The responsibility for the institution’s continued success lies squarely with its graduates.
“Alumni serve as living proof of the university’s impact. While it is important to celebrate our achievements, we must also contribute actively to ensure that future students enjoy even greater opportunities. UNIJOS requires our expertise, influence, and resources now more than ever,” he added.
Dr. Shamaki urged fellow alumni to prioritize investments in campus infrastructure and learning environments, ensuring that both students and faculty operate in safe and supportive settings. He also stressed the importance of establishing scholarships and endowments to guarantee that financial barriers do not hinder any deserving student’s access to education.
He concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to rally behind UNIJOS management in advancing projects such as the construction of student hostels and lecture theaters, upgrading laboratory equipment, awarding financial aid, and creating sustainable opportunities that will benefit generations to come.
