Pioneer alumni of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have renewed their commitment to their alma mater after a three-day reunion in Abuja.
The scasion featured a leadership transition, awards for outstanding members and multimillion-naira support pledges.
The reunion, held from July 24 to 26, 2026, brought together former students from across Nigeria and abroad to reconnect, celebrate achievements and discuss ways to support the university.
The event began with a Meet and Greet on Friday, allowing members to reconnect and share memories from their years at UNIJOS.
A new executive committee was inaugurated on Saturday, following the handover of leadership from outgoing President, Sir Amechi Onianwa, KSC, to Ambassador Ozo Nwobu.
Nwobu pledged to strengthen members’ bonds, expand welfare programmes and promote initiatives that would support the university and society.
The association also amended its constitution to define pioneer membership by the year members entered UNIJOS rather than their graduation year. The pioneer group is now recognised as the 1976–1980 cohort.
The reunion’s Gala Night featured Distinguished Achievement Awards for five alumni who were recognised for their contributions in different professional fields.
They include Professor Beze Adogu for his work in kidney health; Dr Henrietta Ukwu for her contribution to global pharmaceutical medicine and COVID-19 vaccine development; and Professor Obiageli Nnodu for her research into sickle cell disease.
Dr Ifeoma Anagbogu, OON, was honoured for her role in the global campaign against Guinea worm disease, while Mrs Priscilla Eleje was recognised for becoming the first woman to have her signature on Nigerian currency notes as a Central Bank of Nigeria official.
The association said the awards were aimed at celebrating alumni whose achievements have brought recognition to the University of Jos.
The reunion also produced financial commitments towards education and infrastructure.
Professor Adogu pledged ₦10 million over 10 years to support awards for five outstanding graduating students in honour of his former lecturers.
Dr Ukwu pledged ₦2.5 million for infrastructure development at UNIJOS, while Professor Nnodu donated ₦1 million to support alumni activities.
Professor Adogu also delivered a lecture titled “Geriatric Welfare and Management,” where he discussed the challenges associated with ageing and the importance of proper healthcare and lifestyle management.
The reunion ended on Sunday with a Community Breakfast and Fellowship.
The new leadership said it would build on the friendships created at UNIJOS while promoting welfare, service and continued support for the institution.
