by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The University of Jos has matriculated over ten thousand, six hundred (10,600) new students, who are being registered into the various Degree programmes of the institution for the 2024/2025 Academic Session.
Our correspondent reports that this number was out of a total of about 54,000 candidates that applied for admission into the University within that period, over 22,000 of whom were screened and considered eligible for admission, having scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This was disclosed during the University’s 2025 Matriculation ceremony, which took place at the Multipurpose Auditorium, Bauchi Road campus recently, marking the formal admission of the newly admitted students into the various academic programmes of the University.
The event also served as an introduction for the new students to the fundamental principles and values upheld by the University.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, while addressing the newly admitted students highlighted the competitive nature of the University’s admission process and emphasized the importance of academic discipline and adherence to University regulations.
He urged the students to abide by all the University’s rules and regulations, while fully participating in student-related activities within the institution, reminding the students that a minimum of 75% lecture attendance is mandatory for eligibility to sit for examinations.
The Vice-Chancellor further lauded the students for choosing the University of Jos as their institution of first choice, describing their decision as a testament to the University’s high Aacademic standards, recognized both nationally and internationally.
Prof. Ishaya explained that a total of sixty-six (66) foreign students from over 13 African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Niger, Cameroon, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Togo, and Zimbabwe, were admitted into the University during the current Academic Session.
According to him, this development underscores the University’s unwavering commitment to fostering international academic partnerships and bolstering its reputation as a globally-recognized institution of higher learning.
The Vice-Chancellor added that students must be fully committed to their studies to justify their selection out of the thousands who aspired to study at the noble institution.
While encouraging them to participate in Students Union activities, the VC warned that their participation in Union activities should not disrupt their academic calendar, as timely graduation must be a priority.
Prof. Ishaya stated further that the University Management has restructured its governance system, ensuring greater students representation and fostering continuous dialogue with the student leadership.
He disclosed that as part of this initiative, a special programme, tagged, ‘Partnership with Students,’ has been introduced, which aims to establish a “Work-Study” scheme and offer scholarships to indigent students from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for job creation and self-employment among University Students, saying the institution has established the Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies to equip students and staff with entrepreneurial skills.
He encouraged students to take advantage of the Centre’s skill acquisition programmes, aimed at fostering creativity and self-reliance as the University is committed to supporting any innovative idea among the students to ensure such innovation reaches the market.
The VC also highlighted the role of physical activities in promoting mental and emotional well-being, noting that the University’s hosting of the 27th edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), in November 2025, is a historic feat for the institution.
He assured that preparations for the event are already in top gear to ensure the University delivers an outstanding competition.
Speaking also, President and Founder of the Rochas Foundation College of Africa (ROFOCA), Sen. Rochas Okorocha, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the Management of UNIJOS for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity.
He noted that the University’s decision to admit students from his Foundation further reinforces its reputation as an institution that upholds merit and equal opportunities for all.
The former Imo State Governor, who is also a Distinguished Alumnus of the University, emphasized that Education remains the greatest gift that can be given to any child, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to Senator Okorocha, Education is a collective responsibility and also the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and that is why his Foundation is committed to ensuring that young Africans, especially the less-privileged, receive the quality education they deserve.
Speaking earlier, while administering the Matriculation Oath on the students, Registrar, University of Jos, Dr. Rejoice James Songden, charged the students to uphold the core values of discipline, integrity, and academic excellence, which define the University’s philosophy.
She emphasized that by taking the oath, the students are pledging to abide by the institution’s rules and regulations and to conduct themselves in a manner befitting members of the UNIJOS Academic community.
Dr. Songden further reminded the students that the University of Jos remains committed to providing a conducive learning environment that fosters innovation, research, and character development. She urged them to make the best use of the opportunity and always strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
The solemn oath-taking ceremony marks the beginning of the students’ academic sojourn at UNIJOS, reinforcing their commitment to ethical conduct, respect for University policies, and dedication to achieving academic success.