By Nnabugwu Chizoba
 |
| Professor Olaloye Oyawoye, founder Uni-Jos |
It will not be a bogus claim to
state that, most of the people that know the University of Jos, including the
students, graduates, parents, their relations, friends, lecturers, staff of the
University, and numerous others living within the school vicinity and around the
city of Jos and Plateau State in general, do not know who the founder of
University of Jos, is.
History, as I recorded some time
ago on this platform, is the most potent element in the awesome world of human
evolution. It is a shared feature of the human dynamics that reveals the vagaries
and combination of events and materials in development, ideas, ethos and
values.
Let me pause here, to say that History
which clearly indicates appropriate time dimensions, gives the chronology of
significant events of past epochs, bestows honour, recognition, and purpose on
one hand and sometimes at the other discourages, blames and faults human
activities, beliefs, concepts, ideologies, worldview and distinctive
attainments of individuals, groups, institutions, and communities, etc.
Having done with the above, I wish
to say that, two statements credited to different individuals that caught my
fancy at various times, crept into my mind in the course of developing this
piece. It is my belief that apart from living lasting imprint in the mind of
the reader, the two statements also describe the captivating records of
achievements, excellence and commitment, worthy of sharing.
To you my esteemed reader, as you settle
down to savor the rest of the story, I consider it a mark of honour, love, respect,
and of course profound appreciation of the efforts of an icon and a detribalized
Man, whose exploits led to the creation of the University of Jos.
The first statements is credited to
one, Thomas. It reads:
“The actions of Men are like the
index of a book; they point out what is most remarkable in them”.
And the second, which reads:
“One crowded hour of glorious life
is worth an age without a name” is credited to T.O. Mordaunt.
Using both statements as intro to
the contributions of a legend; (the focus of this piece of work), vividly sets
the mind and tone of the writer to tell his story and prepares the body and
soul of the reader to enjoy what is served him or her. These conditions are
considered prerequisite, indeed absolutely necessary for the reader to deeply
internalize the message, appreciate the efforts and consequently align totally
with what I consider bold, transformational and landmark efforts of a man whose
legendary activities led to the establishment of the University of Jos.
I consider it inviting, invigorating
and engaging to proceed on this discourse with the statement below. It aptly captures,
though briefly, the tale and journey that preceded the establishment of the University
of Jos, which has become a center for modern day teaching and learning.
With that in mind let me proceed, by
saying: Out from Nigeria to Durham, in United
Kingdom; and from Durham to Ibadan and from Ibadan to Jos; begins the subtle visionary
move, ladled with objectivity, exemplary conduct, and commitment of a supreme nature.
From a document made available to
this medium:
The University of Jos, was founded
by Professor Olaloye Oyawoye, who is also the first Professor of Geology, in
Africa.
Professor Olaloye Oyawoye, earned
his Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Geology from the University of Durham, United
Kingdom, in 1959, a year before Nigeria gained her independence from her
colonial master, Great Britain.
Immediately after attaining this
fit in academics, Professor Oyawoye, returned to Nigeria to take up a teaching
appointment in 1960, with the University of Ibadan. Thereafter, in 1966, he was
appointed Professor of Geology at the University of Ibadan. With this
appointment, Professor Oyawoye, became the first Professor of Geology, in
Africa.
It is not surprising that soon
after his return to Nigeria, he was employed by the University of Ibadan in
1960. What is rather surprising is that he was posted to the Department of Geography.
This is because there was nothing like Geology Department at the University of
Ibadan, then.
Because of his type of person, within
two years, he persuaded the University of Ibadan to set up the Geology
department. He did this through a proposal he forwarded and was approved by the
authorities of the University of Ibadan.
By that singular act of innovation,
creativity and excellence, the University of Ibadan, became the first
University and Nigeria the first Country in African to open a Geology
Department for the teaching and learning of Geology at the University level.
Like all achievers, that will never
rest, because they always identify fresh areas of attention and devote time and
energy to ensure that existing opportunities are tapped to the fullest, and the
prevailing gaps covered, Professor Oyawoye, found it beneficial for the
Nigerian system and economy to spread the foundational route for the growth and
development of Geology through systematic teaching and learning at the tertiary
education level, in Nigeria.
Pursuant to this development
agenda, the erudite Professor, approached in 1975, the senate of the University
of Ibadan with a proposal. This proposal was for the setting up of a University
College, in Jos, the Plateau state capital, which was then under the
Benue-Plateau.
Just like his earlier proposal for
the creation of Geology department at the University of Ibadan, Professor Oyawoye’s
proposal for the setting up of a University College in Jos, got the approval of
the council and senate of the University of Ibadan.
The story is just developing. Continue
keeping date with your platform
.
.
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