By Asile Abel, Jos
The University of Jos (UniJos) has unveiled a series of groundbreaking achievements in anticipation of its 35th and 36th Combined Convocation Ceremonies, seamlessly intertwined with the institution’s illustrious Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Prof. Ishaya Tanko, Vice-Chancellor of the university, shared these developments during a press briefing in Jos, hailing the occasion as a historic milestone as UniJos commemorates 50 years of academic excellence and resilience.
He further noted that December 1, 2025, also marked his fourth year in office as the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Prof. Tanko highlighted the institution’s remarkable progress since the last convocation two years ago, emphasizing that UniJos has sustained growth amid persistent challenges. He attributed much of this success to the unwavering support from government agencies, partners, donors, and dedicated individuals.
In a staggering announcement, he revealed that 60,000 students will graduate during the combined ceremonies—including 9,236 diploma holders, 37,741 first-degree recipients, and 13,023 postgraduates—marking one of the largest graduating classes in the university’s storied history.
“This is a great time in the history of UniJos because so many great things have happened, and many more are in the pipeline,” he stated. “We welcome you as we conduct the Combined Convocation Ceremonies and the Golden Jubilee celebrations.”
He added, “These achievements are products of collective efforts by our partners, friends, the government through its agencies, and spirited individuals who have been relentlessly supportive. We are celebrating not only our graduands but also 50 years of resilience and growth.”
The Vice-Chancellor outlined the ongoing Golden Jubilee activities, which kicked off earlier and will feature an Anniversary Lecture by Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence, and a Convocation Lecture delivered by alumnus Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He noted that the grand finale is slated for Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Reflecting on the university’s origins, Prof. Tanko recounted how UniJos started in 1972 as a campus of the University of Ibadan before evolving into a full-fledged institution in 1975.
From its humble beginnings with four faculties, it has expanded to 17 faculties and 93 academic programs, overcoming decades of funding shortages, security issues, and infrastructural hurdles.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that several new academic programs received approval over the past year, including Cyber Security Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Forensic Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Public Administration, Social Work, Entrepreneurship, and multiple education-based initiatives. He said the full list would be detailed in his convocation address.
He further disclosed that Plateau State has been chosen as one of six hosts for the Federal Government’s Technology Centres of Excellence, with UniJos’s hub concentrating on Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This center, he explained, will equip Nigeria with skilled professionals and bolster nascent digital sectors.
Additionally, the university secured ₦4 billion via the TETFund Special High Impact Intervention to enhance infrastructure for medical training. Another ₦4 billion arrived through the ICT-DEV Project, sponsored by the French Development Agency (AFD), elevating total recent funding infusions to ₦8 billion.
Prof. Tanko reported that the Rural Electrification Agency contributed 430 solar streetlights, with 100 already operational, and designated UniJos as one of three recipients for the Energizing Education Programme Phase VI, backed by the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power Initiative.
He also celebrated the university’s recent hosting of the 27th Nigerian University Games (NUGA), which drew a record number of participating institutions.
The Vice-Chancellor extended gratitude to the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, donor agencies, staff unions, alumni, and development partners for their invaluable contributions. He reaffirmed UniJos’s dedication to honoring the vision of its founders while establishing enduring legacies for successive leadership.
Finally, he invited stakeholders to partake in the festivities, back upcoming initiatives, and collaborate in elevating UniJos to new pinnacles as it toasts five decades of transformative impact.
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