As part of activities marking its 50th anniversary, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has unveiled plans to establish Centres of Excellence in Sports, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cybersecurity — a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s capacity for research, innovation, and national development.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, revealed this during a press briefing held at the institution’s permanent site in Jos.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education had selected UNIJOS as one of ten Nigerian universities to host a Centre of Excellence in Sports, adding that preparations were in top gear for the 27th Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) scheduled for November — the first to be hosted by the University.
“We are preparing to establish a Sports Institute that will introduce new academic programmes in Sports Education, Sports Marketing, Sports Medicine, Sports Journalism, Sports Law, and Sports Management“. the Vice-Chancellor stated
He further disclosed that the University was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Forensics, and Cybersecurity.
“The proposed Centre of Excellence aims to advance research, education, and innovation in AI and Cybersecurity. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the Centre will contribute to developing skilled professionals and technologies to address emerging digital challenges,” he explained.
Professor Ishaya added that UNIJOS was among ten institutions benefiting from a ₦4 billion project funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) to support digital and scientific innovation in Nigerian universities.
He noted that the planned Centres of Excellence align with the University’s long-term vision to expand its role in national development through academic innovation and collaboration.
While acknowledging the institution’s lingering challenges in funding, infrastructure, and manpower, the Vice-Chancellor said the new initiatives represent strategic steps toward repositioning UNIJOS for greater national relevance.
Also speaking during the anniversary celebration, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, commended the University’s growth over the decades and called on alumni to play a more active role in sustaining its legacy.
“The University of Jos has shaped countless lives. This milestone should challenge all of us — alumni, leaders, and policymakers to sustain its legacy through meaningful contributions,” Dogara said.
