JOSTUM Alumni inaugurates annual students’ lecture, awards scholarships to 39 first-class undergraduates

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi Alumni Association (JOSTUMAA), Campus Branch, has inaugurated its annual students’ lecture series and awarded scholarships to 39 first-class undergraduates as part of efforts to promote academic excellence and uphold the institution’s values.

The maiden lecture, themed “Students’ Responsibilities, Rights and Privileges: Character for Academic Excellence and National Development,” was designed to encourage intellectual growth, discipline and character development among students.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of JOSTUM, Prof. Isaac Itodo, commended the alumni association for complementing the university’s efforts to promote academic excellence, discipline and the culture of rewarding outstanding students.

Represented by the University Librarian, Prof. Jessica Agoh, the Vice-Chancellor said the initiative aligns with the university’s mandate to produce graduates who are intellectually excellent, morally upright, innovative and globally competitive.
He noted that beyond academic achievement, the institution is committed to producing graduates distinguished by integrity, responsibility and purposeful leadership.

Prof. Itodo, himself an alumnus of the university, assured that the institution would continue to mentor students and produce graduates who combine intelligence with sound character.

He congratulated the scholarship recipients on their achievement.
“May these awards inspire you to greater heights.

I encourage other students to remain focused, disciplined and committed to excellence in their academic pursuits and personal conduct so they can also earn such recognition,” he said.
In her remarks, Prof. Agoh expressed concern over the declining reading culture and low patronage of the university library by students.

She said the university has a well-equipped main library, 10 college libraries and a modern electronic library with quality learning resources, but lamented that many students rarely utilise the facilities.

“Most of the regular users of the library are the first-class students receiving these awards today. Students should cultivate the habit of reading extensively and make better use of the library to improve their academic performance,” she advised.

Earlier, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Igomu, said the scholarship programme was instituted by the alumni to contribute to the development of their alma mater and encourage academic excellence among students.

He explained that the scholarships were fully funded by members of the Campus Branch, adding that although the association had intended to support more students, the number was limited to 39 due to the late availability of verified records of first-class students for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Igomu said the association is working with the university management and other stakeholders to expand the scholarship scheme in subsequent years.

Also speaking, Chairman of the JOSTUMAA Campus Branch, Engr. Kumator Taku, said academic excellence without integrity is dangerous, while knowledge without discipline is ineffective and talent without responsibility is wasted.

According to him, Nigeria needs graduates who combine intellectual competence with moral courage, professionalism, patriotism and compassion.

He said the annual lecture serves as a reminder that the true purpose of education is not only personal success but also selfless service to humanity.

Taku urged students to remain committed to their studies, obey university regulations, respect constituted authority, uphold honesty in examinations and research, protect university property and represent the institution positively wherever they find themselves.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Alexander Wuanor said good students must be accountable, reliable and committed to attending lectures, reading widely and acquiring practical skills that will prepare them for future careers.

He stressed that students need the university more than the university needs them and urged them to take ownership of institutional facilities instead of vandalising them.

Guest speaker, Barr. Mary Agogo, who spoke on “Students’ Rights in Nigeria,” called for a shift in student leadership from confrontation to constructive participation.

She said students are entitled to protection from abuse, fair hearing, privacy, freedom of thought and freedom of expression, while reminding them that rights must be exercised responsibly.

According to her, Nigerian universities are expected to produce graduates who are intellectually competent, ethical and civic-minded.

“Rights without responsibilities produce citizens without character,” she said.