UNIJOS 35th and 36th Combined Convocation and Golden Jubilee Ceremonies

UNIJOS 35th and 36th Combined Convocation -For half a century, the University of Jos has stood as one of Nigeria’s most respected centers of learning, growth, innovation, and social transformation. As the institution approaches its 50th anniversary, the entire academic community is preparing for an extraordinary celebration that will not only mark the University’s Golden Jubilee but also host its 35th and 36th Combined Convocation Ceremony.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, 13 December 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most historic gatherings in the university’s legacy.

The official announcement, released on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, outlines an exciting and meaningful lineup of activities designed to honour decades of academic achievement while spotlighting the next chapter of the institution’s growth.

From anniversary lectures to award ceremonies, keynote speeches, exhibitions, and the grand convocation procession, the week promises to bring together alumni, students, faculty, community leaders, government representatives, and distinguished guests from across the nation.

This year’s ceremonies carry special emotional and historical weight. Celebrating fifty years is not merely a sentimental milestone; it signifies five decades of building a reputable institution that has produced leaders in public service, sciences, medicine, humanities, engineering, social sciences, arts, and countless other fields.

UNIJOS, as it is fondly called, has grown from a modest campus into a thriving academic hub with global partnerships and influence. The Golden Jubilee Convocation is therefore not just an event—it is a testament to a legacy that continues to expand.

A Historic Celebration of Academic Excellence

The convocation itself will serve as the climax of the week’s activities. Scheduled to begin at exactly 10:00am at the Jeremiah Useni Stadium on the Naraguta Campus, the event will see the presentation of Certificates, Diplomas, First Degrees, Postgraduate Degrees, and Honorary Doctorate Degrees. Graduates from different disciplines will finally walk across the stage to receive the reward for years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Convocation ceremonies at the University of Jos have always been memorable occasions, but this one is expected to be exceptional. The Golden Jubilee element adds emotional depth, pride, and symbolism. Many alumni who studied at the institution years ago will be returning to witness how far the university has come. Likewise, fresh graduates will be stepping into a celebration that connects the past, present, and future of UNIJOS.

The presence of honorary award recipients, distinguished guests, and high-ranking government officials will add prestige to the event. As always, the convocation will highlight academic excellence while recognizing individuals who have made remarkable contributions to national development, leadership, and scholarship.

Golden Jubilee Week: A Three-Day Celebration of Legacy, Scholarship, and Culture

To properly honour its 50-year journey, the University of Jos has put together a structured three-day programme, each day dedicated to a unique aspect of the institution’s heritage. These events have been carefully planned to reflect the university’s values, scholarship, innovation, leadership, and community impact.

Day One: Thursday, 11 December 2025

Celebrating 50 Years of Growth and Influence

The Golden Jubilee festivities begin with a series of anniversary activities scheduled for 3:00pm at the Social Sciences Auditorium on the Naraguta Campus. The first day will focus on the institution’s history, achievements, culture, and the countless milestones that have shaped UNIJOS over the years.

Various events will run concurrently across the university’s campuses, giving students, staff, and visitors an opportunity to engage with exhibitions, discussions, showcases, and commemorative activities. These campus-wide events celebrate the shared identity of the UNIJOS community while honouring the academic and cultural richness built over five decades.

A major highlight of the day will be the anniversary lecture to be delivered by General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. His participation not only signals the national importance of the event but also reinforces the university’s longstanding relationship with national leadership.

The anniversary lecture is expected to examine themes of security, leadership, nation-building, and the role of academic institutions in shaping the country’s development.

Day Two: Friday, 12 December 2025

Convocation Lecture and Golden Jubilee Dinner

The second day of the celebration promises a combination of intellectual stimulation and formal elegance. Beginning at 2:00pm, the Convocation Lecture will be held at the Ailya Ahwe Doma Indoor Theatre, Naraguta Campus. This year’s convocation lecturer is Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Dr. Tijani, known for his groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, will deliver a lecture expected to focus on digital transformation, innovation, and the future of education in a technology-driven world. His selection aligns with the institution’s mission to embrace innovation and prepare its students for emerging global landscapes.

Serving as Chairman of the Lecture is Professor Abubakar Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission. His presence underscores the relevance of the event within Nigeria’s higher-education community.

Following the convocation lecture, the day will conclude with an exclusive Golden Jubilee Dinner scheduled for 6:00pm at the Eliel Centre, Gold & Base, Rayfield. This formal dinner will bring together university stakeholders, alumni, senior government officials, donors, and honorees in a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere.

Senator Grace Folashade Bent, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, will chair the dinner ceremony. Her leadership and contributions to the institution will be acknowledged as part of the evening’s proceedings. The dinner will serve as an opportunity for networking, recognition, and reflection on the university’s remarkable journey.

Day Three: Saturday, 13 December 2025

The Grand Convocation Ceremony

The final day marks the core purpose of the week’s activities—the Combined Convocation Ceremony. Taking place at the Jeremiah Useni Stadium on the Naraguta Campus at 10:00am, this ceremony will bring together graduating students, families, faculty members, invited dignitaries, and the university’s leadership.

During the event, graduates will officially receive Certificates, Diplomas, First Degrees, Higher Degrees, and Honorary Doctorate Degrees. For students completing their programmes, this ceremony represents years of dedication, sleepless nights, exams, coursework, and practical training. The convocation stage becomes a moment of validation and celebration.

The awarding of honorary degrees is another important part of the programme. Recipients are typically individuals whose achievements, professional excellence, and societal contributions reflect the values and aspirations of the University of Jos. Their recognition highlights the broader impact of the university on national and global development.

The 35th and 36th Combined Convocation marks a double ceremony, accommodating two graduating sets. This approach ensures that no cohort is left behind, especially in light of adjustments influenced by academic calendars and national education events.

With thousands of people expected to attend, the atmosphere will be filled with pride, joy, music, cultural displays, and academic regalia glowing in the stadium. For many families, this will be a day they will remember for a lifetime.

The Significance of the Golden Jubilee for UNIJOS

Celebrating 50 years is more than symbolic; it is a major turning point. The Golden Jubilee invites reflection on how the institution has evolved, what it has achieved, and what future goals lie ahead. UNIJOS began as a small campus with a limited number of students and programmes. Today, it stands tall among the nation’s leading universities, with an alumni network active in numerous sectors both within and outside Nigeria.

Across its five decades, the institution has weathered challenges, expanded its academic programmes, strengthened its research output, upgraded its facilities, and embraced new technologies. In many ways, the Golden Jubilee signals a moment of renewal, an opportunity to think boldly about the next fifty years.

The celebration offers the university a chance to:

Strengthen alumni relations
Announce future academic and developmental goals
Celebrate past leaders and honour their contributions
Showcase research, innovation, and community achievements
Attract new partnerships, funding, and collaborations

Ultimately, the Golden Jubilee Convocation is a celebration of people, students, staff, alumni, administrators, and the many individuals who have shaped the institution’s identity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of UNIJOS

As the university stands at the crossroads of history and future ambition, the Jubilee Convocation marks the beginning of a new chapter. With Nigeria and the world rapidly transforming due to innovation, technology, and global interdependence, UNIJOS aims to expand its reach, modernize its systems, strengthen its research capacity, and deepen its social impact.

The institution is poised to invest more in digital learning, modern laboratories, international partnerships, entrepreneurship programmes, and student development. The next stage of growth will require boldness, creativity, leadership, and commitment, all qualities the university continues to nurture in its community.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Golden Jubilee and Combined Convocation Ceremony of the University of Jos is more than a formal academic gathering. It is a monumental celebration of history, progress, and the enduring spirit of a university that has shaped minds and transformed communities for fifty years.

As graduates take their well-deserved steps into a new chapter of life, they do so with a sense of pride in an institution that continues to make its mark on Nigeria and the world.