The president of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) Worldwide, Dr Gad Shamaki, has stated that Nigerian universities must evolve to global standards where they can attract students from Nigeria and across Africa and the world based on quality.
Shamaki disclosed this while assessing Nigerian universities’ education in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
He said, “We must minimise ASUU strikes by protecting the welfare and interests of lecturers. Universities should also be secured for students and staff so they are not attacked or harassed while commuting to school.”
He maintained that research funding must be improved because universities are centres of knowledge and innovation, adding that better funding will lead to more breakthroughs.
Shamaki also stressed, “We need more stability in our university system, fewer strikes, and less interference from federal and state governments. Universities should be independent institutions of knowledge and character. This applies to both public and private universities across Nigeria.”
The UJAA president worldwide further argued that ultimately, they want foreign scholars to say, “I’m coming to Nigeria and specifically to the University of Jos for my sabbatical or visiting professorship,” because they see a conducive academic environment. That’s the vision. We’re not where we should be yet, but there’s always room for growth.
Speaking on the University of Jos’s forthcoming council election, Shamaki said he was elected as the president of the University of Jos Alumni Association worldwide on May 3rd. Traditionally, the global president represents the Alumni Association in the University Council through the convocation seat.
“I am calling on all Josites to come forward and reaffirm that mandate to support my representation at the University Council. We’ve done our mobilisation, and I’m glad to say we’ve received the blessings of all key stakeholders—ASUU, NASU, SSANU, the management, and many professors, including past alumni leaders.
Shamaki further stressed, “This election is not about contest or conflict; it’s a tradition. We’re simply affirming our choice of representative. We want a peaceful, clean, and fair process. And we hope this tradition continues where every global president of the alumni association gets a seat on the university council to speak for us, ensure our voices are heard, and support the development of our beloved university”
UJAA worldwide president also stated that currently, the alumni association isn’t where it ought to be, especially when compared to other alumni bodies that significantly support their alma mater both within Nigeria and globally.
According to him, his tenure will focus on increasing the visibility of the alumni association in the next two years. He added that they want every Josite, wherever they are in the world, to know there’s a thriving community they can belong to.
“Once we secure their interest, we can begin to collectively address key needs of the university, he said.
