Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Profesor Sebastian Maimako has said the university will honor three Nigerians during the forthcoming combine convocation, holding next Saturday, among them, former Inspector General of police Mike Okiro.
“A distinguished alumnus, author and highly revered officer of the law, the retired Inspector General of police and the immediate past chairman f the police service commission sir, Mike Mbama Okiro CFR will be conferred with the Doctor of laws Degree Honoris causa (LL.D) for his exemplary conduct and leadership during a stellar career in the Nigerian police force.”
“His Royal highness, Engineer John G. Mallo Makwal chairman/CEO, Bajefta Group Nigeria Limited, will be conferred with the Doctor of Engineering Degree Honoris causa (E.Engr) for his outstanding contributions to the development of manufacturing sector in Nigeria.”
The vice chancellor made the disclosure Wednesday at the university, during a press conference to herald activities for the 29th/30th convocation of the university, slated for next Saturday to be held in Jos.
Prof Maimako added that “also to be conferred with the Doctor of Science Degree Honoris causa (D.Sc) is Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman and chief executive officer of the communication communication commission. As an erudite scholar.” The VC revealed.
The Vice Chancellor however lamented that the university of Jos, is battling to secure about 117 hectares of land to avoid land encroachment by herdsmen, after over 40 years of establishment.
Prof Maimako stressed that the 117 hectares of land been encroached, needs to be fenced from cattle, but there was no funds.
“The breaches and frequent encroachment into university property is becoming alarming, as we speak, about 117 hectares of land is been encroached by herdsmen grazing on the land, though we have been talking with them to stop the activities, yet, they have continued grazing animals there, just because the university has not been able to fence the land due to lack of funds.”
Speaking on other challenges confronting the university, the vice chancellor said the university of Jos is poorly funded, therefore, the institution was lacking in some basic infrastructures.
“We have issues of acute infrastructural deficit, inadequate funding and manpower are some of our major challenges.” The VC stated.
The university Don told Journalists during the press briefing, that three Nigerians including former Inspector General of police Mike Okiro will be conferred with a Honoris causa degree during the convocation next Saturday.
Prof Maimako assured the public of adequate securities during the convocation “we are working closely with security operatives to ensure safety of our guest and all citizens.”
The vice chancellor of the university of Jos, said about 7020 graduands excluding affiliate institution shall be issued various certificates of graduation during the combined convocation.
The graduands slated for the forthcoming convocation are graduands of 2013/2014/ and 2015/2016.
