"In all that is fair and right, God bless our UniJos" (Last verse and stanza, UniJos Anthem.)
Gilbert Onuaguluchi, Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus was transferred to the newly created University of Jos, Jos, the tin city and 'Europe' of Africa as it is often referred to. Taking over from the Principal of the erstwhile University of Ibadan, Jos campus, Dr. Emmanuel Ayandele. The Professor of Medicine hails from Awgu Enugu State, one of the foundation students of the then University College Ibadan and having studied in several reputable institution including the University of Glasgow, Scotland, No better person could have been sent to lay a firm foundation for the just established University. To model it after the parent University of Ibadan known for it excellence, the same UI where Onuaguluchi gained intellectual stamina. He did the best he knew to do, posterity judges him right every now and then because pioneering isn't small a feat; Having to start with limited resources and not-so-equipped laboratories, few lecture halls, a small workforce and the burden that comes with starting at 'Gangare'
Then came Professor Emmanuel U. Emovon, from the University of Ibadan. He came to Jos with a lot of administrative experience of a University having served as Head of Chemistry Department at the University of Ibadan. The Professor of Chemistry took over from the Professor of Medicine. Emovon founded the College of Health Sciences and created some departments among some many achievements. He Did his very best as well to say the least but it was only a matter of time, Professor Ochapa C. Onazi emerged as his successor. The Benue-origin Professor of Agriculture Economics emergence came as a shock as many didn't see him as a top contender for the vice chancellorship. Professor Onazi was doing what he loved (teaching) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria when he was called upon to become the pioneer Provost of Federal University of Technology, Makurdi also called University of Jos, Makurdi campus (now Joseph Sarwan Tarka University, Makurdi), The council of the University of Jos superintended the governance of the Jos and Markudi campuses and just when he tried his lot contesting for the top-seat of the 'Home' University of Jos from the Makurdi campus, fate was on his side, he won mysteriously. He assumed leadership until October 1989 when Professor Mallam Para Mallum of Plateau State origin succeeded him (Onazi). At last, we have an indigenous VC, the people rejoiced! He was at the helm of affairs from 1989-1993 then Professor G.O.M Tasie succeeded him in acting capacity from 1993-1994. Professor Nenfort Gomwalk, another illustrious son of Plateau took over from Prof Tasie. Initially impacting students at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the renowned Professor of Microbiology had to come back home to contribute his quota to the University they clamoured for alongside Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, SP Joseph Gomwalk; his namesake and military administrator of Benue-Plateau State at the time among several individuals (destiny at work). Prof Gomwalk saw to it that the relocation of some departments from bauchi road (main camp) to Naraguta campus (Permanent site) began in earnest. Night passed, day broke, 1999, he was ready to leave, ushering in Professor Monday Y. Mangvwat who assumed leadership as acting VC before his confirmation as the substantive Vice chancellor on the 5th of May 2001 and his tenure came to an end on the 12th of June 2006. The Professor of history did the best he knew to do and just a matter of time again, the global Sonni tyoden, A Professor of Pharmacy took over as the new vice chancellor of the prestigious University of Jos. Before Professor Tyoden's emergence, Imo State Professor Celestine Onwuliri served as the VC in acting capacity. The renowned Professor of Parasitology years later became the vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Tragically, He died in the 2012 Dana air mishap in Lagos (God rest his soul). During Prof Tyoden's regime, the University of Jos became the bride among other Universities and 'hot-cake' for University aspirants; one of the most applied institution, highly reputable. The Professor of Political Science went on to become the deputy governor of Plateau State. After Professor Sonni Tyoden came Professor Hayward Mafuyai, of the Department of Zoology. Mafuyai expertise is in Public Health Entomology. This Professor was Vice Chancellor from 13th June, 2011 - 23rd June, 2015. He is currently the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing council of Karl Kumn University, Vom (KKU). After a successful tenure, Professor Hayward Mafuyai handed over to another trailblazer, 'a golden fish', Seddi Sabastian Maimako, A distinguished Professor of Accounting, the VC of VC's. Some refer to him as the best VC in the history of the 50 years institution. The faculty of Management Science was named after him so that we now have "Professor Seddi Sabastian Maimako Faculty of Management Science". The People's love for him earned him the sobriquet " Mai-Taimako". Mai-Taimako oversaw the affairs of the University from 2016-2021. Some wished that Professor Maimako should continue as VC till God knows when but 'if wishes were horses, beggars would ride'. Maimako did his very best no doubt but according to the order of things, he has to go. He left!
Professor Gray Gozie Ejikeme, of the Department of Psychology took over from Professor Maimako though in acting capacity for a period of six months before handing over the baton to the current helmsman, Professor Tanko Ishaya, an insider; Ex-student of the University turned Head of the University. When he graduated in 1992 during Professor Mallam Para Mallum tenure as VC, even in his widest imagination did he think that he would one day become the Chief Executive Officer of his Alma mater (Destiny!). He served as the Director of ICT, Pioneer Head of Department, Computer Science, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) before emerging the Vice Chancellor after a fierce contest.
50 whole years; not 50 days, not 50 hours nor 50 minutes. From the first Gilbert Onuaguluchi to the present Tanko Ishaya, Human right activist and President, University of Jos Alumni Association worldwide, Dr. Gad Peter named them the "Keepers of the dream". He eulogized them heavily in this poem titled " Guardians of legacy";
"In the beginning, there was vision.
And from that vision rose men who carried it with steady hands and steadfast hearts.
Vice-Chancellors, more than administrators, they were keepers of the dream.
Through the winds of change, they stood unshaken.
Through seasons of scarcity and seasons of plenty, they labored not for applause, but for the generations yet to come.
Each portrait tells a story:
Of long nights and heavy decisions.
Of courage in the face of uncertainty.
Of love for a university destined to shine.
For fifty years, they have been the silent architects of our tomorrow,
laying stones of knowledge, sacrifice, and hope.
Today, we honour them.
We honour their service.
We honour their sacrifice.
And we honour the legacy they have entrusted to us"
When General Yakubu Gowon directed that some Universities ( University of Jos, University of Maiduguri, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Calabar, University of Ilorin, University of Sokoto now Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto) be established in 1975 to meet the knowledge-thirsty populace, he had no idea what he was birthing. The University of Jos though still a work in progress have produced graduates of high standing across different strata. Its alumni network is one that cuts across different geography; Zamfara, Zuba, Oshogbo, Onitsha, Ikot-Ekpene, Ikare, Lafia, Lagos, Maiduguri, Makurdi. The University located in the serene and scenery capital city of Plateau State, a place of Pride, Home of Peace and Tourism. UniJos attracts the best of teaching workforce and non-teaching alike; with 12 faculties, 7 Centres and over 40 departments.
We remember those who clamoured and saw that the University became a reality but have fallen asleep. We remember members of staff that have passed to the great beyond. We remember students that have transited too pre/post graduation. We remember past VC's who have gone home to rest from their labour; Profs Gilbert Onuaguluchi, E.U. Emovon, O.C. Onazi, Celestine, Onwuliri, Sonni Tyoden, Gray Ejikeme. May their souls all rest in perfect peace. Ameen!
I would love to end this article with the University attend, one beautiful emblem of the University: a creed, a prayer and a heartfelt wish;
UniJos, Our UniJos, founded in the Lord's glory
Fountain of knowledge, discipline and dedication.
Building leaders in earnest, lighting up the nation's path
With knowledge genuine and pure, in character and in learning.
UniJos, our UniJos, setting the pace in leadership and in learning
In the service of God and Man, to humanity's delight and development.
God is our strength, growth and excellence is our goal
In all that is fair and right, God bless our UniJos.
In all that is fair and right, Dear God, Bless our UniJos.
It's a beautiful day Ladies and gentlemen!
Hosanna Ayas writes from Lafia, Nasarawa State and can be reached via 07068014716
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