The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi has underscored the importance of alumni association as a key driver of development in Universities globally which should be accorded its deserving prominence in our Institutions. Professor Akinwumi made this disclosure when he received members of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA), Kogi State Chapter during a courtesy visit to his office.

The Professor of history stated that it is on record that most prestigious Universities across the world that witnessed the rapid transformation, especially in terms of physical infrastructure, got them through the support and contributions of their alumni who returned to give back to their alma mater. The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, enjoined the Alumni group to ensure that their association is strong enough to demand their rightful place, and continue to look out for ways in which they can contribute their quota to the progress of their former Institution.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association, Dr Jimmy Idaba described the Vice-Chancellor as a distinguished academic whose track records at both the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Federal University Lokoja have endeared him to many. He noted that they embarked on the courtesy visit to identify with the erudite scholar as one of the best performing Chief Executives in Kogi State and Nigeria whose records of excellent service delivery are seen in his sterling personality and the laudable achievements the University has witnessed within a short time under his exemplary leadership.

The medical doctor stated that graduates of the University of Jos are known for their distinctive penchant for quality service delivery which draws them to any high-performing public officer who shares similar virtues of excellence and dedication to serving humanity. He said that these outstanding qualities they have seen in Professor Akinwumi and his Management informed their curiosity to meet with this quintessential administrator who has given FUL global visibility among its contemporaries. The group commended the Vice-Chancellor for igniting the hope and aspiration of Kogites and Nigerians through his quality leadership that has brought unprecedented transformation to the University. 

The Association noted that the good people of Kogi State were indeed privileged to have one of their illustrious sons and academic icon of international reputation superintending over the affairs of the eleven-year-old University at this time of its existence, noting that they were proud to associate with his Administration while urging political office holders at all levels to emulate Professor Akinwumi's pragmatic leadership.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor maintained that he could not have recorded these achievements without the support and cooperation of his Management and the hard-working staff of the University, saying it is a teamwork.

During the meeting, the VC hinted that the University is planning to establish its Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Engineering at the College of Agriculture, Kabba, and the Metallurgical Training Center of Ajaokuta Steel Company, respectively.  

He also disclosed that the NUC Resource Verification Exercise of the Engineering programme would be conducted soon while plans are underway to introduce B.Sc Nursing in addition to the MBBS Programme in the next academic session.

Professor Akinwumi urged the Jossites to rally around the current Vice-Chancellor of UniJos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, whom he described as an exceptional leader with sagacity and wide experience in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), in his bid of taking the University of Jos to a greater height, pointing out that their history would not be complete without their alma mater.

He thanked the Alumni Association for the visit as well as their words of encouragement while reiterating his Administration's unwavering commitment to providing excellent leadership for the University. 

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