Newly matriculated students
University of Jos (UNIJOS) on Thursday matriculated over 8,000 fresh students for the 2025/2026 academic session, including 75 international students drawn from 20 African countries, highlighting the institution’s commitment to globalisation and academic competitiveness.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, disclosed this during the matriculation ceremony held at the institution in Jos, explaining that the exercise, which ordinarily would have taken place earlier, was delayed due to challenges encountered by some candidates in completing registration on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
According to him, the newly admitted students comprise candidates who successfully completed registration across the University’s various academic programmes after meeting the minimum admission requirements.
Professor Ishaya noted that demand for admission into UniJos remained high, revealing that a total of 27,451 candidates applied through JAMB, many of whom met the prescribed benchmark.
“The pressure on the selection process was therefore intense and highly competitive. While congratulating you for being found worthy of admission, I urge you to recognise that you are among the privileged few. Your admission should motivate you to justify the confidence reposed in you by being diligent, disciplined, and focused in your studies,” he stated.
On the admission breakdown, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the total number of matriculated students was drawn from both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry categories, adding that registration was nearing completion as of the time of the ceremony.
Beyond admission figures, Professor Ishaya highlighted the University’s commitment to the internationalisation of higher education, noting that UniJos had aligned with the vision championed by the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
“Following the initiative and drive to promote the internationalisation of university education in Nigeria by the Registrar of JAMB, I am pleased to say that the University of Jos has keyed into this vision. This year, we are welcoming 75 international students from about 20 African countries into our various programmes,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined key regulations guiding academic life and student conduct. He stressed that full registration was mandatory for formal recognition as a student, warning that failure to complete the process within stipulated timelines could lead to forfeiture of admission.
He advised students to seek assistance only from designated registration officers, cautioning against unauthorised individuals to avoid scams. Professor Ishaya further emphasised that lecture attendance and continuous assessment were compulsory, noting that students must attain a minimum of 75 per cent lecture attendance to qualify for examinations, with continuous assessment contributing between 30 and 40 per cent of final examination scores.
On infrastructure and innovation, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted ongoing investments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including staff training and the deployment of e-learning platforms to support virtual teaching, learning, and digital governance. He encouraged students to acquire relevant ICT skills before graduation to remain competitive globally.
Addressing issues of discipline and campus life, Professor Ishaya warned against cultism, antisocial behaviour, and participation in unregistered associations, stressing that such acts would attract severe sanctions, including expulsion, in line with the institution’s motto of “Discipline and Dedication.”
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from principal officers and other stakeholders, who welcomed the new students and charged them to uphold the University’s core values.
A representative of JAMB, Dr. Mohammed Babaji, commended UniJos leadership and assured that all matriculated students had been duly admitted and captured on the national admissions platform, describing the University’s process as compliant with established standards.
Representatives of the Ambassadors of The Gambia and Burundi to Nigeria — Hajia Maimuna Simghateh and Engr. Cimpaye Pancrace, respectively — also congratulated the students, urging them to remain disciplined, respect constituted authority, and stay focused on their academic pursuits, while expressing appreciation for international partnerships that support students’ education.
Professor Ishaya formally admitted the students into the University of Jos community and urged them to make productive use of the opportunities available during their stay at the institution.
