by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. (Dr) Amos Mohzo, has lauded as “deep-rooted” the collaboration between the University of Jos and the Church, which has fostered significant academic and institutional growth over the years.
Prof Tanko Ishaya
Rev. (Dr) Mohzo, therefore, called for the strengthening of the longstanding relationship between UNIJOS and COCIN towards fostering educational excellence and sustainable development in the country.
The COCIN President was speaking when he led Executive Council (EC) members of the Church to a courtesy visit on the University Management at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Administrative Building, Naraguta Campus in Jos.
Rev. Amos Mohzo appreciated the University of Jos for its unwavering support and dedication to activities of COCIN, and commended the University for appointing COCIN members into key leadership positions within the institution, including the Registrar, Dr Rejoice James Songden, as well as Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, among others.
Rev. Mohzo, who recognized the outstanding contribution of such COCIN members to both the University and the Church, also lauded the University of Jos for its efforts in nurturing Karl Kumm University (KKU), Vom, which was founded by the Church, stating that the mentorship provided by UNIJOS has been instrumental in shaping the young University’s future.
He expressed hope that the collaboration between COCIN and UNINOS would continue to grow, yielding even greater benefits for both institutions and the wider society.
He reaffirmed COCIN’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its partnership with the University, while also emphasizing that through shared values and cooperative efforts, both organizations could achieve greater milestones in Education, Faith, and Community Development.
Responding, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, expressed delight over the strong ties existing between the University and COCIN, emphasizing that the visit of the President was a testament to the importance both institutions place on their relationship.
Prof. Ishaya commended Rev. Mohzo for his exemplary leadership, describing it as instrumental in maintaining the partnership between the two bodies.
The Vice-Chancellor pledged the University’s continued support to the academic progression of Karl Kumm University, stressing that KKU and other COCIN Higher Education Institutions like the COCIN Theological Seminary, Gindiri, are being nurtured under the mentorship of UNIJOS.
He assured that, UNIJOS remains committed to ensuring that KKU attains global academic standards, and believes that academic collaboration between the two Universities is vital to societal upliftment.
Prof. Ishaya seized the opportunity to thank the COCIN President for appointing distinguished scholars from UNIJOS – Professor Hayward Mafuyai – as the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of KKU, as well as Professor Nanven Audu Gambo as Vice-Chancellor.
He expressed confidence that, as former Vice-Chancellor and Director, Conflict Management and Peace Studies both in UNIJOS, Professors Mafuyai and Gambo’s wealth of experience would play a pivotal role in advancing KKU and positioning it as a top-tier institution of higher learning.
Also contributing, former UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor, who is now the Acting Pro-Chancellor of KKU, Professor Hayward Mafuyai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Rahila Gowon, and the Director of Academic Planning and Management, Professor Joshua Chollom, all emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership between UNIJOS and COCIN, and called for more efforts to deepen and strengthen the collaboration.
High-point of the occasion was a prayer offered by the COCIN President, Rev. (Dr) Amos Mohzo, who was accompanied on the visit by the COCIN Vice-President, Rev. (Dr) Timothy Nwan, COCIN General Secretary, Rev. Associate Professor, Benjamin Pokol, former COCIN President, Rev. (Dr) Soja Bewarang and Vice-Chancellor, Karl Kumm University, Professor Nanven Audu Gambo, among other senior members of the COCIN hierarchy.