by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The newly elected National President of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) (Josites), Dr. Gad Peter, has advice students of the University to focus on their studies and strive to graduate with good grades, to be useful to themselves, saying, “because when you are useful to yourselves, you become useful to society. And when you graduate and God places you in positions of influence or authority, remember the institution that helped shape you – and give back so others can benefit, too,” he urged.
Speaking to our Correspondent in an interview in Jos recently, the Alumni President cautioned the students to avoid any form of demonstration that could lead to the destruction of school property.
“Don’t join cults or engage in activities that could end your life or someone else’s. Stay focused. Avoid actions that could stop you from graduating. Wherever you go, be proud ambassadors of this great institution,” he charged.
Speaking on his plans as the Alumni President, he said his first plan is to create more visibility for the association, pointing out that, “Through that, we hope more Josites will take interest and become active members. In turn, we believe they’ll support the association in giving back to the university.”
According to him, his vision is to find Josites wherever they are in the world and remind them that there is need to support the alma mater.
“Giving back doesn’t have to be massive – it can be as simple as donating waste bins for hostels and classrooms, supplying drugs to the school clinic, refurbishing the basketball or volleyball courts, providing First-Aid boxes around campus, or renovating common rooms, hostels, or toilets,” Gad stated.
“There are also students from less-privileged homes, who can’t afford tuition. We can step in to support them,” he noted.
According to Gad, his approach is to address the basic, visible needs of the university community. “That way, current students – once they graduate – can be proud of the institution and be motivated to give back as well,” he said.
He said, other plans are plans that align with what himself and his colleagues have agreed, pointing out that, “For instance, we want to organize a series of webinars and lectures where professionals across various fields will speak to students and the broader university community.
“I also have plans to produce souvenirs Josites will be proud of – T-shirts, mugs, face-caps, boots, and other items that represent our identity as JOCYs. And with the support of other Josites out there, I believe we’ll be able to execute these plans successfully,” Gad Peter stated.