The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, has committed to intervening in the land disputes between Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), and its host communities to pave the way for the university’s development.
His Royal Majesty made this commitment when Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of JOSTUM, led a delegation to his palace to seek support and blessings.
The visit, which included Prof. Isaac Nathaniel Itodo, the vice-chancellor of the university, principal officers, and other council members, aimed to familiarise the Tor Tiv with the university’s progress and to secure his assistance as the governing council works to fulfil its mandate.
The Tor Tiv, who served as the vice chancellor of JOSTUM from 2001 to 2006, was acknowledged by the Pro-Chancellor for his invaluable contributions to the development of the institution during his tenure.
On his part, Tejuoso expressed gratitude to the Tor Tiv for agreeing to host them and emphasized the importance of his continued support as the council navigates challenges in the course of their duties.
He explained that the hostility has hindered the university’s efforts to build a perimeter fence around the institution, a crucial step in securing the campus and attracting investors.
According to him, despite numerous attempts, the community’s opposition has led to repeated destruction of any fences erected.
Additionally, he said the council faces further challenges as members of the host community have also been involved in destroying farmlands belonging to investors.
The Pro Chancellor appealed directly to the Tor Tiv for intervention to help resolve these issues. He urged the monarch to use his influence to facilitate the construction of a perimeter fence for the university, ensuring that the council’s tenure could see a resolution to the persistent problem.
Tejuoso also called on the Tor Tiv to help draw the attention of the state government to the deplorable condition of the university’s access road, which has become an additional obstacle to growth.
Responding to the Pro Chancellor’s address, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, expressed his unwavering commitment to supporting the governing council in their efforts to overcome the challenges facing JOSTUM.
The monarch, who recalled his own tenure as Vice Chancellor and the hurdles he faced, including poor funding and student unrest, promised to offer his full support in helping the council navigate these same issues.
He particularly expressed concern over the unresolved hostilities between the university and the surrounding community. Prof. Ayatse assured the governing council that he would use his influence to bring lasting peace to the situation, emphasising the importance of cooperation between the university and the host community for the institution’s progress.
