The Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, has honoured Professor Jane O. M. Ande, recognised as the first female Professor of Accounting in Africa, with a Festschrift celebrating her decades of scholarship, leadership, mentorship and service.
The event, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Faculty of Management Sciences Auditorium, University of Jos, was themed “Sustainability Within an Uncertain Economy.”
The gathering brought together academics, government officials, professional bodies, former students, mentees, family members and friends to celebrate Professor Ande’s career and unveil the Festschrift published in her honour.
Speaking at the event, the 70-year-old professor reflected on her 47 years in academia, describing the recognition by younger colleagues whom she had mentored as particularly meaningful.
Professor Ande recalled facing delays in attaining the professorial rank, partly because there was no senior accounting professor within her institution available to conduct the required internal assessment.
She also highlighted her contributions to accounting education beyond Nigeria, particularly during her time at the University of Ghana, where she helped establish a PhD programme.
According to her, the initiative contributed to producing more professors and strengthening accounting scholarship across Africa.
She also recalled serving as the first female president of a continental accounting body and contributing to the international recognition of Nigeria’s accounting profession.
The Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Arch. Samuel N. Jatau, who delivered the opening remarks, described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate Professor Ande’s contributions to academia and society.
Jatau also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Plateau State Government in the education sector under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, including increased scholarship support, reduced tuition for indigenous students and expanded educational opportunities.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peak Charles Onochie, welcomed guests and commended Professor Ande’s commitment to scholarship, leadership and mentorship.
Representing the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Professor Solomon T. Goshibet described Ande as a scholar whose work has contributed to institutions, policy development and national capacity building.
He particularly highlighted her association with NIPSS as a former directing staff and current visiting professor, as well as her role in developing a strategic pension administration programme in collaboration with the National Pension Commission.
Goodwill messages were delivered by distinguished personalities, including ASUU President Professor Chris Piwuna, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Pius Akubo, former student Ishaya Lalu, Member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, Professor Mary A. Ogenyi, Professor Yohana G. Jugu, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, and Professor Ekoja B. Ekoja.
The speakers paid tribute to Professor Ande’s contributions to accounting education, professional leadership and mentorship.
The Festschrift, titled Enhancing Sustainability within an Uncertain Economy in honour of Professor Jane O. M. Ande, features contributions covering areas including accounting education, sustainability and environmental accounting, auditing, corporate governance, public-sector accountability and management scholarship.
The presentation of the Festschrift was made by Dr Niri Mang, while Professor Daniel Gbegi delivered the book review and intellectual presentation.
The event also featured a tribute session celebrating Professor Ande’s life and legacy before the formal launch of the Festschrift.
