Gyang Bere, Jos
Following the prevailing security challenges and indiscriminate grazing by herdsmen in communities around the University of Jos, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Seddi Sebastian Maimako, has begged Federal Government to assist in the construction of an enduring fence to secure the institution.
He said the institution was located in the centre of Jos, the capital of Plateau state and students are always affected negatively during breakdown of law and order and expressed delight with the peace the state is currently enjoying.
Prof. Maimako disclosed this, on Tuesday, while briefing Journalists ahead of the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies coming up on Saturday June 23, 2018 at the Jeremiah Useni Stadium, Jos, Plateau State.
“Despite the picture of some modest achievements recorded and the attendant optimism being expressed above, it certainly has not been plain sailing all the away.
“The challenges affecting the accelerated pace of progress in this University are numerous. From issues of acute infrastructural deficit, inadequate funding and manpower, to the security breaches and frequent encroachment into University property among others, university of Jos has had its share of difficulties.
“It behooves on our stakeholders including our Alumni, various tiers and agencies of government, beneficiary communities and especially our proprietor, the Federal Government to join us in a concerted effort to squarely address these challenges so that going forward, ours will be a more pleasant tale to narrate.”
Prof. Maimako said the University’s authority has maintained constant dialogue with some cattle rearers who normally invaded the institution for indiscriminate grazing and said if a solid fence is erected round the institution, issues of grazing, insecurity and land encroachment will be history.
He said the institution has secured full accreditation of 17 programmes from National University Commission and three of which were denied accreditation due to some challenges.
Prof. Maimako explained that the new Senate building which was abandoned since 2009 has been under construction and would be completed and occupied by the University’s Senate before the end of 2018.
“The Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) and other funding instruments is providing interventionist measures towards addressing the University’s infrastructural challenges. Several new construction projects and rehabilitation works have either been completed or at various levels of completion.
“These includes new buildings for the Faculties of Engineering, Management Sciences and Social Sciences, new Postgraduate Students hostel, College of Medicine Library at JUTH Laminga Campus, extension work at the School of Postgraduate Studies and the University Health devices Clinic and completion of the New Senate Building at e Naraguta Campus among others.”
Prof. Maimako, announced that the University’s Senate had approved and the Governing Council ratified the conferment of Honorary Degrees on eminent Nigerians whose contribution to national development deserves commendation.
He said His Royal Highness, Engineer John Mallo Makwal, Chairman/CEO, Bajefta Group Nigeria Limited, will be conferred with Doctor of Engineering Degree, the retired Inspector General of Police, Sir. Mike Okiro will be conferred the Doctor of Laws Degree while Prof. Umar Garbage Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will be conferred with Doctor of science Degree.