UNIJOS VC Race: Alumni, NASU Want Credible, Visionary Successor

The global president of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA), Dr. Shamaki Peter Gad, has said stakeholders expect a new Vice-Chancellor with impeccable character and academic credentials.

According to him, UJAA expects a new Vice-Chancellor with a clear vision for excellence in teaching, research, innovation and unquestionable integrity, with proven administrative experience to manage resources, build institutions and deliver results.

Gad stated this in an interview with LEADERSHIP in Jos against the backdrop of the ongoing interactive session with eight professors jostling to replace Prof. Ishaya Tanko, whose tenure will expire very soon.

“Equally important are inclusivity, fairness and the ability to unite the university community, respect diversity, engage constructively with staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to foster an environment where everyone has a sense of belonging.

“The next Vice-Chancellor should strengthen partnerships, attract funding and position UNIJOS for greater national and international relevance,” he said.

Also speaking, the Branch Secretary of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Comrade Makplang Wale Dawam, said they want a Vice-Chancellor who is passionate about staff and students’ welfare and can communicate information when needed.

He said NASU wants a Vice-Chancellor who will be passionate about staff and students’ welfare and be worker- and labour-friendly.

LEADERSHIP recalls that eight professors participated in the recent stakeholders’ interactive session at the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Secretariat, Naraguta Campus, as part of the race for the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

The professors who attended the vision-presentation and question-and-answer session organised by the UNIJOS Advancement Office and ASUU include Prof. Ikonne Ogaji, Prof. Victor Duga, Prof. Sati Fwatshak, Prof. Anthony Dakum,

Prof. Patricia Lar, Prof. Bernard Matur, former Vice-Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, and Prof. Simon Yiltok.

Our correspondent gathered that the interactive session was convened to allow stakeholders, community leaders, and union members to engage directly with aspirants on their leadership visions, governance, and plans for the institution.