By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
As part of efforts to foster academic excellence and expand infrastructure, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has commenced the construction of a 500-seater auditorium under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention.
Speaking during the official handover of the project site to the contractor, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Amupitan, commended the Federal Government for its sustained support towards improving the educational 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,” Professor Amupitan stated.
Describing the Faculty of Natural Sciences as one of the university’s most prominent—with a strong legacy and notable alumni. Amupitan noted that the expansion of academic programs in recent years had made infrastructure development a necessity.
He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the project’s specifications and timeline, stressing that the contract was fixed and non-negotiable.
“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 warned.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also charged the project consultants and the Directorate of Physical Facilities to ensure thorough supervision and quality assurance throughout the construction period.
“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,” he added.
On behalf of the project consultants, Architect Sam Agoji of Altigra Nigeria Limited expressed appreciation to the university for the opportunity to oversee the project. He explained that the auditorium’s design had evolved over time from a proposed laboratory and classroom space to a more ambitious twin-theatre concept.
“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.
Agoji assured stakeholders of strict compliance with industry standards and regulatory procedures, including safety protocols and professional oversight.
“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.
He further advocated for gender inclusion, encouraging the involvement of female professionals, particularly in Quantity Surveying and other key technical roles.
The Director of Physical Facilities, Architect (Mrs.) Halima Auta, emphasized the need for financial and procedural compliance, pointing out that the project is fully funded by TETFund and must follow stipulated disbursement protocols. She reminded the contractor of the importance of meeting TETFund’s visibility requirements.
“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 explained.
On behalf of the contractor, Architect Yilleng Paul Felix of Solar Shelter Limited expressed gratitude for being selected to execute the project and pledged the company’s dedication to timely delivery and quality execution.
“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 affirmed the company’s commitment to working collaboratively with consultants and university representatives to ensure the project meets all required standards.
The project, expected to be completed within 45 weeks, marks a major milestone in the university’s infrastructural development drive aimed at enriching the academic experience for staff and students alike.
