UNIJOS VC Prof Patricia Manko Lar
University of Jos (UNIJOS) has appointed Professor Patricia Manko Lar as its 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor, making her the first woman to head the institution since its establishment.
Lar succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor is coming to an end.
Her appointment was announced on Thursday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Senator Grace Bent, during a special meeting of the 15th Governing Council.
The Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, disclosed this in a statement made available to NATIONAL ACCORD on Thursday.
According to the statement, Bent, while presenting the letter of appointment to the incoming Vice-Chancellor, charged her to remain focused in the discharge of her responsibilities.
Reacting to the appointment, the University of Jos Alumni Association congratulated Lar, describing her emergence as a historic milestone for the institution.
In a congratulatory message dated November 12, 2026, and signed by its Global President, Gad Peter, the association expressed optimism that her administration would usher in a new era of institutional progress, academic excellence and transformation.
The association expressed confidence in Lar’s academic accomplishments, leadership experience and commitment to advancing knowledge, saying these qualities would provide the direction needed to move the university forward.
It urged the incoming Vice-Chancellor to prioritise improving the institution’s national and international rankings, attracting research grants, strengthening academic standards, promoting innovation and expanding opportunities for cutting-edge research.
The alumni body also identified the security of students and staff, alongside the provision of adequate, decent and affordable student accommodation, as critical issues requiring urgent attention.
“Beyond these important priorities, the association is particularly concerned about two critical areas that directly affect the welfare of our university: the security and safety of students and staff, and the provision of adequate, decent and affordable accommodation for students,” the statement said.
It maintained that a safe learning environment and suitable accommodation were essential to students’ academic success and overall well-being.
The association pledged to collaborate with Lar’s administration through initiatives, partnerships and interventions aimed at strengthening the university, improving its facilities and enhancing its national and international reputation.
It described the appointment as an opportunity to establish a new standard of visionary leadership, institutional excellence and sustainable development, while wishing her a successful tenure.
