University of Jos - Nigeria
The over one thousand sitting capacity Indoor Theatre initiated by the Foundation of former Nasarawa State Governor, Aliyu Akwe Doma in the University of Jos has been handed over by the Project Contractors
Work on the project, which was initiated in 2010, had stalled until it was re-awarded to Orbit Resources Nigeria Limited in 2018 under the Federal Government's NEEDS Assessment Intervention programme.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Seddi Sebastian Maimako while taking over the edifice said the Indoor Theatre was named after the Late Akwe Doma due to the passion he had for Theatre Education during his lifetime.
Professor Maimako represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Tanko Ishaya tasked the Department of Theatre and Film Arts to judiciously use the facility for continuous training of Theatre Arts practitioners for professional excellence.
He implored the beneficiaries to safeguard the building and equipment so it can stand the test of time and for the future generation to benefit from it.
Director, Physical Facilities, Arch (Mrs) Halima Auta praised the donor for his magnanimity and regretted that he died before the project was completed. Arch Auta, however, expressed delight with the quality of work executed and adherence to the completion period and other agreed terms by the Project Team.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Sati Fwatshak while appreciating the conducive learning environment provided noted that the students will get the best training under such atmosphere.
The building will be formally commissioned at a later date.
In a related development, 300 Level Students of the Department of Theatre and Film Arts have staged a solidarity procession as their way of appreciating the developmental strides of the University of Jos under the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seddi Sebastian Maimako.
The students who chanted songs of solidarity held placards with various inscriptions including "Second tenure for Professor Maimako", "VC with a noble heart", "Professor Maimako ikon Allah" among others.
Receiving the students on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Tanko Ishaya said Professor Maimako has the interest of students at heart and will ensure they continue to enjoy quality and conducive learning environment.
He urged the students to work closely with the University Management to acquire the best of education and enjoined them to be good Ambassadors of the University.
Spokesperson of the Students and Senator Representing Faculty of Arts in the Students Union Government Parliament, Golu Nenfot Goladi said the Vice-Chancellor has written his name in gold and must be appreciated and encouraged.
Abudullahi Abdullahi
Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications