Jos, Nigeria – April 19, 2025
By Emberga Gbaa
In a major step towards enhancing academic infrastructure and promoting excellence, the University of Jos has commenced construction of a state-of-the-art 500-seater auditorium, fully funded under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention program.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Amupita, officially handed over the project site to the contractor earlier this week. Speaking at the event, Prof. Ishaya commended the Federal Government for its continued investment in the education sector, particularly through targeted initiatives like the TETFund interventions.
“In pursuit of our desire to attain academic excellence and ensure our students get the very best, we have embarked on this important phase of constructing a qualitative, high-standard 500-seater auditorium to complement the Faculty of Natural Sciences,” he stated.
He described the faculty as one of the most prominent in the university, with a strong academic legacy and a growing number of programs that have necessitated the expansion of physical infrastructure.
Prof. Ishaya stressed that the project has a fixed timeline of 45 weeks and warned against any deviation from the specifications or schedule due to market volatility.
“The contract terms are non-negotiable. We expect strict adherence to the timeline and specifications. We will not entertain any revisions,” he emphasized.
The Vice-Chancellor also tasked the project consultants and the Directorate of Physical Facilities with ensuring comprehensive supervision and quality assurance throughout the construction period. He revealed that the project marks the first phase of a broader plan and expressed optimism about securing future funding for subsequent phases.
Project consultants, Altigra Nigeria Limited, represented by Sam Agoji, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to oversee the development. Agoji revealed that the original design was expanded from a laboratory and classroom space to a more ambitious twin-theatre concept, featuring two 500-seater halls that could potentially be merged into one.
“We are committed to ensuring compliance with all industry standards and regulatory protocols. Safety, documentation, and professional oversight will be upheld at every stage,” he assured.
Agoji also highlighted the importance of gender inclusion, encouraging more women to take up technical roles such as quantity surveying and architecture on similar projects.
Architect Halima Auta, Director of Physical Facilities at the university, outlined the TETFund disbursement procedure, explaining that 50 percent of the funding is released at commencement, 35 percent after roofing, and the final 15 percent upon completion. She emphasized the need to meet visibility requirements, including the installation of two project signboards at the site.
Speaking on behalf of Solar Shelter Limited, the project contractor, Architect Yileng Paul Felix pledged the company’s dedication to delivering a high-quality project on schedule.
“We are proud to be entrusted with this project and are committed to ensuring its successful and timely completion. Collaboration with consultants and university stakeholders will be key,” he said.
The project is expected to significantly enhance the learning environment at the University of Jos and further the institution’s mission of delivering quality education supported by modern facilities.
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