Scholarships, Integrity Take Centre Stage at JOSTUM Annual Lecture

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi Alumni Association (JOSTUMAA), Campus Branch, has inaugurated its annual students’ lecture series and awarded scholarships to 39 first-class undergraduates as part of efforts to promote academic excellence and uphold the institution’s core values.

The maiden lecture, themed “Students’ Responsibilities, Rights and Privileges: Character for Academic Excellence and National Development,” was organised to inspire intellectual growth, discipline and character development among students.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of JOSTUM, Prof. Isaac Itodo, commended the alumni association for complementing the university’s efforts to promote academic excellence, discipline and the culture of recognising outstanding students. Represented by the University Librarian, Prof. Jessica Agoh, the Vice-Chancellor said the initiative aligns with the university’s mandate of producing graduates who are intellectually excellent, morally upright, innovative and globally competitive. He added that beyond academic success, the institution remains committed to raising graduates distinguished by integrity, responsibility and purposeful leadership.
Prof. Itodo, who is also an alumnus of the university, assured that the institution would continue to mentor students and produce graduates who combine intelligence with sound character. He congratulated the scholarship recipients and encouraged other students to remain focused, disciplined and committed to excellence in both their academic pursuits and personal conduct so they too can earn similar recognition.
In her remarks, Prof. Agoh expressed concern over the declining reading culture and the low patronage of the university library. She noted that the university has a well-equipped main library, 10 college libraries and a modern electronic library with quality learning resources, but lamented that many students rarely utilise the facilities. She observed that most regular library users are among the first-class students receiving scholarships and urged others to cultivate the habit of reading extensively to improve their academic performance.
Earlier, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Igomu, said the scholarship programme was introduced by the alumni association to contribute to the development of their alma mater and encourage academic excellence. He explained that the scholarships were fully funded by members of the Campus Branch and disclosed that although the association had hoped to support more students, the number was limited to 39 due to the late availability of verified records of first-class students for the 2024/2025 academic session. He added that the association is working with the university management and other stakeholders to expand the scholarship scheme in future.
Also speaking, Chairman of the JOSTUMAA Campus Branch, Engr. Kumator Taku, stressed that academic excellence without integrity is dangerous, knowledge without discipline is ineffective and talent without responsibility is wasted. According to him, Nigeria needs graduates who combine intellectual competence with moral courage, professionalism, patriotism and compassion. He said the annual lecture serves as a reminder that the true purpose of education is not only personal success but also selfless service to humanity. Taku urged students to remain committed to their studies, obey university regulations, respect constituted authority, uphold honesty in examinations and research, protect university property and represent the institution positively wherever they find themselves.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Alexander Wuanor said good students must be accountable, reliable and committed to attending lectures, reading widely and acquiring practical skills that will prepare them for future careers. He stressed that students need the university more than the university needs them and urged them to take ownership of institutional facilities instead of vandalising them.
Guest speaker, Barr. Mary Agogo, who spoke on “Students’ Rights in Nigeria,” called for a shift in student leadership from confrontation to constructive participation. She said students are entitled to protection from abuse, fair hearing, privacy, freedom of thought and freedom of expression, while reminding them that rights must be exercised responsibly. According to her, Nigerian universities are expected to produce graduates who are intellectually competent, ethical and civic-minded.
She concluded by stating that, “Rights without responsibilities produce citizens without character.”