The University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) has re-launched the construction of its Alumni Centre at the university’s Permanent Site, Naraguta Campus, with the project estimated at about ₦300 million and targeted for completion by February 2027.
Speaking at the re-launch ceremony on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, UJAA President, Dr Gad Shamaki Peter, said the centre was conceived as a permanent hub where Josites could connect, collaborate, hold meetings and programmes, build networks and contribute to the development of their alma mater.
Peter said the project reflected the association’s renewed commitment to giving back to the university, which he said had provided generations of alumni with education, exposure, relationships and opportunities. He appealed to alumni, corporate organisations, government institutions and other well-meaning individuals to support the project with funds and building materials. “Today is not simply about re-launching a building project. It is about renewing our collective commitment to the Alumni Association and demonstrating once again that Josites can come together to build something enduring for their alma mater,” he said.
He disclosed that the project had received a ₦20 million commitment from the Plateau State Governor, while Chief Peter Owoeye had donated 6,000 blocks and seven tippers of sand. Peter said the association was still faced with a significant funding gap but expressed confidence that the February 2027 target could be achieved through collective support.
The Alumni President also highlighted some achievements of the current leadership, including contributions to the university’s 50th anniversary, donations of computers, laptops, PA systems and projectors, support for the NUGA Games, stronger alumni networks and an expanded social media presence.
Chairman of the National Fundraising Committee and former UJAA President, Mallam Idris Yakubu, recalled that the Alumni Centre project was conceived around 2018/2019 and construction commenced in 2019 before it stalled. He commended the current leadership for reviving the project and said the fundraising committee had commenced mobilisation towards the ₦300 million target.
“We are looking for funds. We are looking for cement. We are looking for blocks. We are looking for iron rods,” Yakubu said, urging alumni to support the project through cash and donations of building materials, furniture and fittings.
Project Architect, Kenneth Dung, said the first phase of the centre was designed to meet the immediate needs of the association, with provision for a secretariat, offices, an alumni shop, conference facilities and spaces to display the achievements of the university and its alumni.
Dung said the project was divided into phases because of its size and funding requirements, adding that subsequent phases would include larger conference facilities, recreational spaces and accommodation for postgraduate students and others. “This is just the first phase that we have taken to accommodate the immediate needs of the Alumni Association,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, a former member of the House of Representatives for Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, commended the association for reviving the project and said the centre would help preserve the history and contributions of successive generations of alumni.
Bagos suggested that the centre should include a museum and souvenir shop to preserve the university’s history and showcase its alumni. “It is not just having an alumni office, but a centre that generations—their story will be written—because every alumnus is starting a story that will establish a generation,” he said. He also pledged his support and expressed confidence that the ₦300 million target would be achieved.
The Vice Chancellor and Chief Host, Prof. Ishaya Tanko, commended the association for continuing a project initiated by previous leadership, stressing the importance of maintaining continuity in institutional development.
Tanko also disclosed that the university had established an Alumni Relations database in collaboration with UJAA, with more than 15,000 alumni already registered, to strengthen alumni engagement and coordinate contributions to the institution. He highlighted recent developments at the university, including its participation in global rankings, hosting of the NUGA Games, increased international student enrolment and a ₦500 million award from JAMB.
The Vice Chancellor assured the association of the university management’s support, promising that provision would be made in the 2027 budget to support the development of the Alumni Centre. “I want to assure you that I will ensure that the University of Jos has a budget for next year to support the development of this project,” he said.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the President of the Jos North Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, builder Daniel Saini congratulated the association and described the centre as a symbol of the university’s enduring legacy and contribution to society.
Saini urged the Alumni Association to make the centre a place for mentorship, scholarships, research and collaboration, rather than merely a meeting facility. “An alumni centre is more than brick and mortar. It is a living symbol; it is a place where memory meets vision,” he said, while commending the association for its vision and tenacity.
The Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, also pledged continued support for the project and said alumni would be mobilised to contribute towards its completion.
“We will continue to support until this project is completed by the grace of God,” Bupwatda said, expressing confidence that the association could surpass the ₦300 million target and use additional resources to support other areas of university development.
The Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, said the funding target was achievable if alumni collectively contributed towards it. He calculated that 15,000 alumni contributing ₦20,000 each could raise the required ₦300 million.
Cishak pledged to mobilise his former university colleagues and announced an initial contribution of 100 bags of cement towards the project. “It is something that can be done, and I think we’ll start doing that,” he said.
The re-launch culminated in the symbolic laying of blocks, led by the Vice Chancellor and witnessed by alumni, university officials, stakeholders and other guests, marking the formal commencement of renewed efforts to complete the Alumni Centre by February 2027.
