President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education reform, outlining funding priorities and federal interventions benefiting the University of Jos during the institution’s 35th and 36th combined convocation ceremonies and 50th anniversary celebration.
The President, who was represented at the event by the Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Professor Ibrahim Garba Hassan, said education remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the sector received ₦3.5 trillion in the 2025 budget.
“Education remains one of the core priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is evident in our commitment to transforming the education sector through increased funding and comprehensive reforms,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that the allocation represents 7.3 per cent of the national budget and acknowledged that it falls below international benchmarks due to competing national priorities.
However, he assured that government would continue to increase investment in the sector.“We understand the importance of education to national development, and we will continue to scale up our budgetary allocations to create an enabling environment for our young people to learn, earn certifications and contribute meaningfully to national growth,” the President said.
Tinubu said the introduction of the Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was designed to make tertiary education accessible to all qualified students, regardless of their financial background.
The President also highlighted investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting that the emphasis on practical, skills-based education was aimed at improving employability, entrepreneurship and productivity among Nigerian youths.
Turning specifically to the University of Jos, Tinubu said the institution has benefited from several federal interventions targeted at improving teaching, learning and research.
He disclosed that UNIJOS was selected as one of ten universities nationwide to host a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The Centre aims at advancing research and education, strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and government, and developing skilled professionals capable of addressing emerging digital challenges,” he added.
The President also said the University is a beneficiary of the ₦4 billion TETFund Special High Impact Intervention targeted at expanding the training capacity of medical doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists.
He added that UNIJOS also benefited from the ICT-DEV Project funded by the French Development Agency and inclusion in Phase VI of the Energising Education Programme, which is expected to reduce energy costs and improve learning conditions.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the University, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, described the recent loss of students as a painful development that cast a shadow over the celebrations.
He offered prayers for the departed and urged the university community to remain united and resilient.Bamalli said the University of Jos has grown into an institution of high repute since its establishment, producing graduates who have contributed significantly to national development.
He called for renewed attention to challenges confronting the institution, including the absence of a take-off grant, land encroachment and security concerns.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, said the University has expanded into a major federal institution with 17 faculties, over 100 academic programmes and a student population exceeding 40,000.
She noted that the Golden Jubilee coincided with notable milestones, including the successful hosting of the Nigerian University Games Association competition.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, described the convocation and Golden Jubilee as both a celebration of progress and a moment of reflection on the institution’s mandate.
“Over the past fifty years, the University of Jos has evolved from a modest campus into a globally recognised centre of learning, research and innovation,” Ishaya said.
He disclosed that the University has produced about 60,000 graduates over five decades, comprising 9,236 diploma holders, 37,741 first-degree graduates and 13,023 postgraduate degree recipients.
“Our Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of time, but of impact, ideas, people and service to the nation,” the Vice-Chancellor stated, adding that the University has introduced 18 new academic programmes in areas including data science, cybersecurity, software engineering and forensic science.
The event also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished individuals, as the University marked its Golden Jubilee with renewed emphasis on academic excellence and national service.
