University of Jos - Nigeria
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Seddi Sebastian Maimako says the Institution will invest in business ventures with strong research capabilities in order to expand the University’s funding sources.
The Vice-Chancellor was speaking while formally taking over ownership of the Naraguta Bricks and Clay Company Limited from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
TheNaraguta Bricks and Clay Company Limited covering a land area of 119.5 was legally acquired by the University at the sum of Forty-Five Million Naira only (N45, 000 000.00) after meeting all the requirements for its purchase.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Administration), Professor Grey GoziemEjikeme who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seddi Sebastian Maimakodescribed ownership of the property as historic noting that the Institution is committed to being globally competitive.
Maimako who said peace is a potent tool for nation building appealed to critical stakeholders to join in enlightening the youth against social vices so that training institutions like the University can achieve their mandate.
Handing over the Certificate of Ownership to the University, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Alex Okoh said University of Jos had proved capableof owning and efficiently operating the facility.
The Director-General represented by the Director Mines and Steel Department of the BPE, Yusuf Adamu, said the Institution should key into the Federal Government’s reform and privatization programme to reduce dependence on Government Treasury while also creating Jobs for unemployed youth and ensuring transfer of skills for human capital development.
Representative of the Plateau State Government whoown 25% shares of the Naraguta Bricks and Clay Limited and Executive Chairman, Plateau Investment and Property Company PIPC, NdeEzekiel Gomos assured the University that PIPC would provide relevant suggestions to help revitalize the Company.
Chairman of the Revitalization Committee, Professor EmaEma said arrangements were on for partnership through an inclusive approach to take care of various interests.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the signing of Certificate of Ownership and tour of the facility.
The Naraguta Bricks and Clay Company Limited has now been renamed “Centre for Industrial Research Training and Development for Glass Technology, Bricks,Metal Jewelry, Graphics and Media, Textile,Leather andWoodworks”in order to provide professionals in the various trades witha modern research facility.
Principal Officers of the University, the BPE delegation, leaders of the host community and other critical stakeholderswho were present at the ceremony,later held a closed-door meeting at the Senate Chamber of the University.