PROTOCOL

Todays activity is a milestone event in the life of the Alumni Association of the University of Jos, which I am proud to identify with. Being an Alumnus, the privilege of being a part of the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the construction of an Alumni Centre, has provided a unique opportunity for my humble self to be remembered as a contributor to the success that the current leadership of the Alumni Association will be reckoned with.

Alumni Associations exist primarily to promote and encourage continuing interest in the Academic and Physical Development of Alma maters. The sustenance of interest in our former institutions create general concern for the welfare of the members of the Alumni, the community where the Institution is located and the congregation of that Institution itself. The loyalty that this goes to foster amongst members will promote the spirit of unity and commit members to the identification of needs which they compel themselves to address, as a way of showing appreciation for the investment the institution has made in them during their academic sojourn.

I am glad that the leadership of the University of Jos Alumni Association under Mallam Idris Yakubu, has seen the great need to begin a journey that will enhance the study infrastructure of the University of Jos, with the Ground Breaking for an Alumni Centre which we have come to undertake today.

I have been well informed that the Alumni Centre will provide a three hundred (300) Seater Lecture Theatre with state of the Art Communication and Teaching Facilities, Seminar and Lecture Rooms, Offices, as well as contain a Shopping Mall. This I must say is commendable because the infrastructural deficits which the University of Jos is working hard to address, will no doubt find a quantum leap in this intervention of the Alumni Association.

Government is no doubt limited in resources amidst competing demands and as such cannot address every pending concern. Until Nigerians begin to address the needs on ground, through the backward linkage that constantly keeps those who have attained some level of success in life, in a constant review of the very good past in our educational system which is somehow lacking now, we will not see the need to give back to communities what we ourselves have received from it.

As an Alumnus of University of Jos, I am confident that looking back from the vintage positions where most of us stand today, we will wish for a return of the good old days. “No Nation it has been said, can rise above the quality of education it offers”, we therefore cannot afford not to contribute in this present day of global competitiveness, to the all round improvement in our educational system. This will certainly entail academic, infrastructural and environmental improvements that will enhance learning and good character formation.

As a Government, we will continue to drive and formulate policies that will enhance educational development in the State. We will ensure appropriate funding, man-power training, the promotion of research and the provision of a conducive environment for learning. We have worked hard to ensure industrial harmony in our Tertiary Institutions in the State and we are supporting facility development and have not relented in the training of teachers and lecturers to career levels.

University of Jos for all intents and purposes, represent the highest of our citadels of learning in the State, and besides the training we have received in the institution, it holds the community of our most enlightened citizens. We therefore cannot afford not to be an integral part as a Government of the development of this institution. This sincerely is the reason I have made it a point of duty to be a part of this Ground Breaking Ceremony.

I wish to assure the University Council, Management and the Alumni Association that we will as a Government continue to support the University to rival some of the best in the Country, Africa and in the World generally.

Today is not a speech making event, but as I draw this brief address to a close, let me again commend the Alumni Association for this laudable initiative. I invite all Alumni of the University, Corporate Organizations, Community Associations and well spirited Individuals to support this Alumni Centre project in cash and in kind. As it sees the light of the day, we will no doubt be imprinting our names in gold on the plague of honour, for those who are committed to having our Country stand out as a better Nation of educated people.

I thank you for your kind attention and its now my pleasure, to perform the Ground Breaking Ceremony as would be subsequently directed in the course of this event.

Thank you and God bless us all.

Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong

Executive Governor