The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, has called on students to recommit themselves to academic excellence and make the most of the growing support the institution continues to attract from individuals and organisations at home and abroad.
Professor Ishaya made the call while receiving two Perkins Braille Machines and a substantial collection of academic books donated by two philanthropists, Dr. Gwom Peter of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and Mr. Andrew Gani-Ikilama of the Bitrus Gani-Ikilama Fellows.
He said the University has enjoyed increased goodwill in recent years, with partners, alumni and development-focused individuals contributing toward enhancing teaching, learning and research. He urged students to reciprocate these efforts by improving their academic performance and preparing themselves to become competitive in the labour market.
The Vice-Chancellor described the donations as “thoughtful and impactful,” noting that the resources would strengthen the University’s commitment to inclusive and quality education. He directed that the Braille Machines be properly maintained and that the donated books and research materials be fully utilised by the University Library for the benefit of current and future scholars.
Dr. Gwom Peter said his contribution was inspired by the strong academic reputation of the University of Jos and its influence on his own academic journey. He revealed that many of his mentors, including the late Professor John Duncan who helped establish the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, were closely linked to the institution.
He added that the decision to donate planning-related books was partly influenced by learning that the University Library had previously lost many such materials to a fire incident. “I remembered that I had many books and research materials that would be of great value to the University,” he said, urging other Nigerian scholars in the diaspora, especially those from Plateau State to support the University with unused academic resources.
Mr. Andrew Gani-Ikilama said his presentation of two Perkins Braille Machines was done in honour of his late father, Dr. Bitrus Gani, an educationist whose commitment to excellence shaped the lives of his children. He noted that the donation targeted visually impaired students in the Department of Special Education, specifically recognising the academic performance of beneficiaries Paul Joseph Agoru and Elizabeth Adenike Shokayode.
He encouraged Nigerians, particularly alumni, to embrace a culture of giving, noting that meaningful impact does not require wealth. “You don’t have to be a millionaire. Whatever you bring, no matter how small, can uplift someone and give them a better quality of life,” he said.
The donations, the University noted, reinforce its commitment to academic excellence, inclusion and global educational standards.
