Unijos Student Emerges Winner of National Fine Arts Competition

UNIVERSITY OF JOS

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION

PRESS RELEASE

UNIJOS STUDENT EMERGES OVERALL WINNER AT NATIONAL FINE ARTS COMPETITION

Paul Emenike, a talented Student from the Department of Fine and Applied Arts in the University of Jos, has emerged as the overall winner of the highly competitive "Life In My City Arts Festival" (LIMCAF) National Competition. In a contest that took place in Enugu and attracted over 750 contestants from across the nation, Emenike’s exceptional creativity and skill saw him rise above all other competitors to claim the coveted First Place Prize, bringing pride to his University, Faculty and Department.

The momentous achievement was revealed when the University’s Head of Department, Fine and Applied Arts, Dr. John Oyedemi led the Unijos Team that participated in the competition consisting of the Coordinator, LIMCAF, Jos Region, Dr. Jacob Onoja and First Prize Winner, Paul Emenike as well as the other participants, to a courtesy visit on the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya in his office at the Senate/Administrative Building, Naraguta Campus.

Dr. Oyedemi expressed immense pride in Emenike’s accomplishment, congratulating him on his well-deserved success. He attributed Emenike’s victory to the supportive learning environment provided by the University, particularly the role played by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya. Oyedemi emphasized how the availability of high-quality learning materials and an environment dedicated to Artistic growth had contributed significantly to Emenike’s development as an Artist.

Also contributing, Coordinator for the Jos Region of LIMCAF, Dr Jacob Onoja appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for fostering an environment that encourages creativity and excellence. Dr. Onoja also shared exciting plans for the future of LIMCAF, revealing that there are ongoing discussions to establish a LIMCAF center in Jos, which would be a remarkable addition to the city’s Arts landscape. He further announced that, as part of Emenike’s Prize, he would be sponsored to travel to Dakar, Senegal, for international exposure, marking a significant step forward in the Student’s Artistic career.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, who was visibly proud of Emenike’s achievement, applauded him for the impressive feat and expressed great joy in how the Student had made the University proud on the national stage. The Vice-Chancellor praised the growing importance of the Arts and noted how Artists, like Emenike, are increasingly attracting significant recognition and financial opportunities. He highlighted that Art, as a form of expression, has become a means of both cultural enrichment and economic prosperity, and as such, it can serve as a vital driver for generating revenue for the University’s Department of Fine and Applied Arts.

Professor Ishaya further emphasized the deep connection between Art and nature, saying, “Anyone who loves Art is in love with nature.” He underlined that the University of Jos will continue to support and nurture its Students in the Arts, ensuring that they have access to the tools and resources necessary to succeed and excel in their Artistic endeavours.

The Vice-Chancellor assured that the University of Jos remains committed to fostering a creative environment for its Students, and Emenike’s triumph at LIMCAF is a testament to the high standards of education and mentorship within the Fine and Applied Arts Department. For him, the feat not only brings pride to the University but also serves as an inspiration to other Students, encouraging them to pursue their Artistic passions with dedication and determination.

Professor Ishaya observed that with plans for the opening of a LIMCAF center in Jos and the opportunity for Emenike to gain international exposure in Senegal, the University of Jos is making great strides in promoting the Arts and supporting its Students’ creative ambitions. He described Paul Emenike as an excellent example of the potential within the University’s Arts programme, while his future in the world of Fine Arts looks incredibly promising.

Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the dummy cheque of One Million Naira First Prize to Paul Emenike by the Vice-Chancellor for winning the national competition which featured 100 participants at the final stage as well as a group photograph capturing the University Management and members of the Departmental Team.

Signed

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications