Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), highlighted the dire consequences of acute manpower shortages, revealing that over 20 specialized lecturers at the institution had passed away due to overwhelming stress. Speaking during a briefing in Jos to mark his two-year tenure, the vice chancellor expressed concern over numerous unaddressed challenges faced by the institution.
He emphasized the pressing need for intervention, citing the absence of budgetary allocations for hiring new senior professors, staff, and non-academic personnel as a major exacerbating factor.
According to him: “For well over five years now, we have not been able to carry out recruitment exercises to fill vacant positions. We have lost many of our members of staff through retirements, JAPA syndrome and deaths. Some of these positions require that we recruit to avoid any gaps.”
Additionally, the vice chancellor pointed out that the university’s operations were significantly affected by the absence of a Governing Council, hindering its efficiency and functionality.
In detailing the financial strain, he disclosed that despite a monthly budget of N13 million, the university was spending nearly N100 million, with electricity costs consuming close to N30 million monthly.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about the interpretation of internally generated revenue (IGR), stating that funds collected for services could not be entirely classified as IGR.
