The University of Jos (UNIJOS), one of Nigeria’s leading citadels of learning and a historically significant institution in the country’s educational landscape, has officially released details for its long-awaited 35th and 36th Combined Convocation Ceremony, which will be held alongside its prestigious Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) Celebration. According to the announcement signed on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, PhD, FBCS, FNCS, the grand event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 13th December 2025, marking a major milestone in the institution’s history.

This combined convocation is not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a monumental moment that highlights the university’s 50 years of growth, transformation, research achievements, and service to the nation. Since its establishment in 1975, the University of Jos has evolved from a humble satellite campus of the University of Ibadan into a vibrant and globally recognized institution committed to producing skilled graduates and pioneering groundbreaking research across multiple disciplines.

A Historic Double Convocation

Unlike previous ceremonies, this edition is unique as it combines two academic sessions— the 35th and 36th Convocation Ceremonies—bringing together a diverse community of graduands ranging from:

• Certificate recipients

• Diploma holders

• First Degree graduates

• Postgraduate Diploma holders

• Master’s Degree recipients

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) graduates

• And distinguished personalities who will be conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees

This wide-ranging event represents the efforts and accomplishments of students who have shown resilience and excellence throughout their academic journeys, especially within the challenging context of Nigeria’s educational ecosystem.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the ceremony symbolizes UNIJOS’ unbroken commitment to student success and national development. He noted that the institution has continued to uphold the highest standards in teaching, research, and community service—a mission that the Golden Jubilee celebration further reinforces.

Venue and Time for the Ceremony

The combined convocation and Golden Jubilee celebration will take place at the renowned:

📍 Jeremiah Useni Stadium, Naraguta Campus, University of Jos
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM Prompt

Guests, students, staff, alumni, parents, and well-wishers are encouraged to arrive early, as the event is expected to attract a large attendance due to its significance and the wide range of honorary awardees and distinguished guests who will be present.

The Jeremiah Useni Stadium remains one of the university’s largest and most iconic venues—a modernized open space capable of hosting large gatherings, complete with adequate seating arrangements, security, and accessibility features to enhance participant comfort.

Golden Jubilee: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

The University of Jos’ Golden Jubilee marks five decades of academic brilliance, infrastructural development, leadership training, research impact, and community engagement. Over the years, the institution has produced thousands of graduates who have made significant contributions in fields such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, Management, and Creative Arts.

The 50th anniversary celebration is expected to reflect on the university’s founding vision, highlight major milestones, honor its pioneers, and set a bold direction for the next decades. Activities will also showcase:

• The university’s historical journey

• Achievements in research and innovation

• Staff contributions

• Student milestones

• Community service initiatives

• Future development goals

UNIJOS stands today not only as an academic institution but as a symbol of hope, multicultural integration, and intellectual growth for Nigeria and the African continent.

Awards and Recognitions to Graduands

During the convocation ceremony, deserving graduands will be honored with various levels of academic awards. These awards follow years of hard work, perseverance, lectures, projects, long nights in the library, practical sessions, seminars, research experiences, and examinations.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed pride in the graduating classes, describing them as “ambassadors of excellence” and encouraging them to go forth into the world with courage, innovation, and the spirit of service.

In addition, several dignitaries, national leaders, academics, and impactful individuals will receive Honorary Doctorate Degrees for their contributions to national development, social advancement, humanitarian work, and academic excellence.

A Celebration for the Entire University Community

Convocation ceremonies are traditionally one of the most anticipated events in the academic calendar of any university. For UNIJOS, whose student population represents diverse cultures and backgrounds, the event is expected to bring the entire community together—students, staff, alumni, and supporters.

Parents and guardians, in particular, look forward to witnessing the proud moment their children receive their hard-earned degrees. Alumni across different parts of Nigeria and abroad are also expected to reconnect with their alma mater during the jubilee celebration.

Preparation Guidelines for Graduands

The university management advises all graduands to:

• Complete all clearance processes

• Collect their academic gowns as scheduled

• Attend rehearsals and orientation sessions

• Follow all instructions provided by the Registrar

• Follow proper dress code and conduct guidelines

• Arrive early on the convocation day

The aim is to ensure a smooth, well-coordinated, and memorable event for everyone present.

Security and Logistics

Given the significance and expected large turnout, the university has assured the community that adequate security measures have been put in place in collaboration with relevant agencies. Traffic management, parking arrangements, crowd control, and safety protocols are being prioritized to ensure a peaceful and organized event.

The university management also encourages guests to comply with all security checkpoints and guidelines throughout the ceremony.

A Landmark Event for UNIJOS and Nigeria

The 35th and 36th combined convocation, held alongside the Golden Jubilee, is more than a ceremony—it is a celebration of 50 years of academic leadership, perseverance, unity, and innovation. It marks a new chapter in the university’s journey and reinforces its commitment to shaping the minds that will build the future of Nigeria and the world.

As the countdown to 13th December 2025 begins, the excitement grows across the UNIJOS community and beyond. Families, friends, and stakeholders eagerly await the historic celebration that will remain etched in the institution’s legacy for generations to come.