The University of Jos has kicked off the construction of a state-of-the-art 500-seater auditorium, a major step forward in its ongoing drive to improve infrastructure and academic excellence. The project is being funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
At the site handover event, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Amupita, praised the Federal Government for its continued support of the education sector through targeted 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,” the VC said.
Professor Ishaya described the Faculty of Natural Sciences as one of the university’s most prestigious, with a strong academic legacy and influential alumni. He explained that recent expansions in academic programs have made such infrastructure a necessary investment.
He emphasized the importance of sticking to both the design specifications and the project timeline, warning that the contract terms are fixed.
“Everything is time-bound and there are guidelines. We expect this project to be completed within 45 weeks. With the volatility in the prices of materials in Nigeria, it is crucial to stick to the timeline. We will not entertain any revisions,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also urged close monitoring by consultants and the Directorate of Physical Facilities to ensure strict adherence to quality standards.
“This is just phase one, and we hope to secure funding for phase two. I sincerely appreciate the Federal Government for its intervention, particularly on this project. Years ago, this area was like a forest, but this administration is making a difference.”
Representing the project consultants, Sam Agoji of Altigra Nigeria Limited shared insights on the project’s development, noting that the design had grown from a basic lab and classroom concept into an innovative twin-theatre model.
“From the onset, we understood the importance of this project and the challenges that come with it. That’s why we proposed a twin-theatre concept — two separate 500-seater halls that can eventually be merged into one, if necessary,” he said.
He gave assurance that all construction stages would be guided by rigorous industry standards, including proper documentation, material testing, and safety measures.
“We have a resident architect stationed on site. Tests such as cube and slump tests will be conducted at every stage. Nothing will be accepted without proper documentation and approvals,” he added.
Agoji also highlighted the importance of diversity, encouraging the inclusion of more female professionals in roles such as Quantity Surveying and other technical positions.
Architect Halima Auta, Director of Physical Facilities, emphasized the importance of following financial procedures as required by TETFund. She clarified how disbursement would be structured:
“TETFund typically releases 50 percent of the funding at commencement. The next 35 percent will only be disbursed upon completion of roofing, and the final 15 percent after full project completion and handover.
“Two project signboards must be installed at opposite ends of the site. No funds will be released without this visibility, as TETFund requires clear identification as the project sponsor,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the executing firm, Architect Yileng Paul Felix of Solar Shelter Limited expressed appreciation for being selected and assured all stakeholders of the company’s commitment.
“Solar Shelter, a subsidiary of our parent company, is proud to be entrusted with the delivery of this important project. We are truly delighted by this opportunity, and we have taken it upon ourselves as a team to ensure the successful and timely completion of the work,” he said.
He reaffirmed the company’s readiness to work closely with consultants and university officials to meet the project’s goals.
With completion expected in under a year, the auditorium represents a major milestone in UNIJOS’s efforts to enhance teaching and learning for both students and staff.
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