UNIJOS VC Commends FG Interventions In Educational Sector

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof Ishaya Tanko, has commended the federal government for its sustained support towards improving the educational sector through targeted interventions.

The VC gave the commendation during the official handover of the project site to the contractor for the construction of a 500-seater auditorium under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention.

Professor Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Amupitan said in pursuit of the desire to attain academic excellence and ensure students get the very best, they have embarked on this important phase of constructing a qualitative, high-standard 500-seater auditorium to complement the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

He described the Faculty of Natural Sciences as one of the university’s most prominent with a strong legacy and notable alumni noting that the expansion of academic programmes in recent years had made infrastructure development a necessity.

He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the project’s specifications and timeline, stressing that the contract was fixed and non-negotiable.

“Everything is time-bound and there are guidelines. We expect this project to be completed within 45 weeks. With the volatility in the prices of materials in Nigeria, it is crucial to stick to the timeline. We will not entertain any revisions,” he warned.

Speaking on behalf of the project consultants, Architect Sam Agoji of Altigra Nigeria Limited expressed appreciation to the university for the opportunity to oversee the project.

He explained that the auditorium’s design had evolved over time from a proposed laboratory and classroom space to a more ambitious twin-theatre concept.

On her part, the Director of Physical Facilities, Architect (Mrs.) Halima Auta, emphasized the need for financial and procedural compliance, pointing out that the project is fully funded by TETFund and must follow stipulated disbursement protocols.

She reminded the contractor of the importance of meeting TETFund’s visibility requirements.

“TETFund typically releases 50 per cent of the funding at commencement. The next 35 per cent will only be disbursed upon completion of roofing, and the final 15 per cent after full project completion and handover, she said.