Unijos Celebrates the Breaking of a New Dawn With Pomp and Pageantry

/ 12 January 2025 / 0 Comments

THE BREAKING OF A NEW DAWN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOS

Members of the University of Jos community have several reasons to be thankful as a new season was ushered in at the institution and even more, for the breaking of a new dawn.

Right from 1st December, 2024, when the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya celebrated his third year in office, the floodgates of activities opened.

On that day, a Church Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service was held. Earlier on Friday 29th November, 2024, the Muslim faithful in the University had offered prayers in commemoration of Professor Ishaya’s impactful tenure in office. It was followed by a Press Conference on 5th December, 2024 where the media were intimated with the developments that have taken place in the institution in the last three years.

A novelty football match between Staff and Students later took centre stage bringing fun and laughter on both sides.

Coincidentally also within the period, the University Printing Press rolled out the drums to celebrate its 40 years of existence churning out a number of materials that have helped the course of knowledge in Academics and in other areas of endeavour. On Friday, 6th December, 2024, the Printing Press honoured some Nigerians who have, through the course of the years, been associated with the University.

The celebrations continued through and on different platforms, particularly prominent on a thanksgiving note given the many ways that the University and members of its community have enjoyed the abundance of God’s blessings in the preceding period up to that point in time.

And as a climax to those celebrations, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols as well as Tree Lighting ceremony unfolded to commemorate the yuletide.

At the event held at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Indoor Theatre, Naraguta Campus on Friday, 13th December, 2024, the Director, Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos, Professor Danny McCain, in an exhortation, stated that it was a period to preach peace and freewill giving. Professor McCain, who read from 1 Corinthians 13:13, stated that peace is a key element in the life of every Christian, as the Almighty God symbolizes peace.

Thus, he asked Nigerians to set aside pride and positions, by humbling themselves, find ways of serving and blessing others with what God has blessed them with.

In the words of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, the event was an Academic as well as a Christian tradition. Professor Ishaya noted that everyone has a reason to thank God, hence the reason to celebrate the season.

The Vice-Chancellor, who read one of the Nine Lessons, used the occasion to announce that new equipment are being procured for the Music Department of the University amidst jubilation from the Students.

The event which was in its second year, witnessed different groups rendering songs to usher in the Yuletide season. There were also Drama presentations on the importance of Christmas, reading of Nine Lessons and more songs rendition.

The Tree Lighting ceremony, was thereafter held at the Ceremonial Loop, by the Main Entrance, Naraguta Campus of the University. Highpoint of the occasion was the lighting of the Christmas tree and fireworks which held an awestruck audience spellbound.