The University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) has relaunched its long-delayed Alumni Centre project, setting a fresh target of raising about ₦300 million and completing the facility by February 2027.
The renewed drive was unveiled on Wednesday at the university’s Permanent Site, Naraguta Campus, in a ceremony attended by university management, government officials, traditional rulers and alumni from across the country.
Speaking at the event, UJAA’s Global President, Dr. Gad Peter Shamaki, described the initiative as more than a fundraising exercise, calling it a renewal of the alumni body’s commitment to give back to its alma mater. He said the centre, once completed, would serve as a permanent hub for networking, mentorship and collaboration among Josites.
The association disclosed that the project has already attracted early pledges, including ₦20 million from the Plateau State Governor and a donation of 6,000 blocks and seven tippers of sand from Chief Peter Owoeye. However, organisers admit a significant funding gap remains, and have appealed to alumni, corporations and philanthropists to contribute cash or building materials.
Chairman of the National Fundraising Committee, Mallam Idris Yakubu, said the committee has begun an aggressive campaign to close the gap, soliciting cement, iron rods, furniture and other materials in addition to cash donations.
A simple arithmetic laid out at the event underscored how attainable the target could be. Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, noted that with roughly 15,000 alumni already registered in the university’s alumni database, a contribution of just ₦20,000 from each graduate would fully cover the ₦300 million target. Cishak backed his appeal with an immediate donation of 100 bags of cement.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ishaya Tanko, praised UJAA for sustaining a project first conceived around 2018/2019 but stalled for years afterward. He confirmed that the university has set up an alumni relations database with UJAA, and pledged that the 2027 institutional budget would include support for the centre’s continued development.
Project architect Kenneth Dung explained that the first phase would deliver a secretariat, offices, an alumni shop and conference facilities, with later phases to include larger event spaces, recreational facilities and postgraduate accommodation.
Other dignitaries, including former lawmaker Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos and Jos University Teaching Hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, lent their support, with Bagos proposing that the centre house a museum and souvenir shop to preserve the university’s history.
The ceremony climaxed with a symbolic block-laying led by the Vice-Chancellor, formally marking the resumption of construction.
With the February 2027 deadline now set, UJAA’s leadership says the project’s success now rests squarely on how many of its 15,000-strong alumni base answer the call to give.
