In a landmark decision, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) Senate has endorsed the creation of a new Faculty of Architecture and the reorganization of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, marking a significant step in enhancing its academic portfolio. These changes, approved during the Senate’s Second Regular Meeting for the 2025/2026 Academic Session, reflect the university’s commitment to aligning with global educational standards and addressing evolving industry demands.
Birth of the Faculty of Architecture
The Senate has authorized the establishment of the Faculty of Architecture, transforming the existing Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Architecture program into three specialized academic departments and programs. These are:
Department of Architecture: Focusing on core architectural design, theory, and practice.
Department of Interior Architecture Design: Specializing in the aesthetics, functionality, and innovation of interior spaces.
Department of Landscape Architecture: Emphasizing the planning and design of outdoor environments, including urban and natural landscapes.
This restructuring was prompted by recommendations from the Senate’s Curriculum Committee, which reviewed the proposal against the National Universities Commission (NUC) benchmarks. The committee concluded that a dedicated Faculty of Architecture would not only meet NUC’s quality standards but also position UNIJOS as a leader in architectural education in Nigeria. The new faculty is expected to attract students seeking cutting-edge training in these high-demand fields, fostering graduates equipped to tackle modern design challenges.
Revamping the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
In a parallel move, the Senate approved a major overhaul of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, expanding its three existing departments into six distinct units. This unbundling aims to deepen specialization, enhance academic rigor, and align with industry needs. The newly created departments are:
Department of Veterinary Medicine: Focusing on clinical practices and animal healthcare.
Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology: Specializing in surgical techniques and diagnostic imaging for animals.
Department of Veterinary Microbiology: Concentrating on microbial diseases affecting animals.
Department of Veterinary Pathology: Addressing disease diagnosis and post-mortem analysis.
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry: Exploring the physiological and biochemical processes in animals.
Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology: Studying drug effects and toxic substances in veterinary care.
This expansion responds to the NUC’s call for Nigerian universities to refine their academic structures to meet global standards. By creating these specialized departments, UNIJOS aims to produce highly skilled veterinary professionals capable of addressing complex challenges in animal health and public safety. The move also enhances the faculty’s capacity to serve its immediate community through advanced research and outreach.
Alignment with NUC Standards
Both the establishment of the Faculty of Architecture and the restructuring of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine stem from the NUC’s quality assurance directives. The NUC encourages universities to diversify and specialize their programs to remain competitive and relevant. UNIJOS’s proactive response demonstrates its dedication to academic excellence and its role as a pacesetter in Nigerian higher education. These changes are expected to improve the university’s accreditation ratings and attract more students and research funding.
Boosting Research Excellence
Beyond academic restructuring, UNIJOS is doubling down on its research ambitions. During the same Senate meeting, Vice-Chancellor and Senate Chairman, Professor Tanko Ishaya, unveiled a bold initiative to incentivize high-impact research. The university will now cover publication costs for staff who publish in Q1 and Q2 journals—prestigious academic outlets ranked in the top 25%–50% of their fields based on impact factor.
This policy, to be guided by the Academic Planning Research and Publications Committee (APR&PC), aims to elevate UNIJOS’s global research profile. Publishing in Q1 and Q2 journals is a hallmark of exceptional scholarship, often opening doors to international collaborations and career advancement. Professor Ishaya emphasized that this financial support would encourage faculty to pursue groundbreaking research, positioning UNIJOS as a hub for innovation.
Impact and Future Prospects
The Senate’s decisions herald a new era for UNIJOS, strengthening its academic offerings and research ecosystem. The Faculty of Architecture will cater to Nigeria’s growing need for skilled architects, interior designers, and landscape planners, particularly as urbanization accelerates. Meanwhile, the restructured Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will produce specialists equipped to tackle emerging challenges in animal health, food security, and zoonotic diseases.
These changes also align with UNIJOS’s broader mission to remain at the forefront of higher education. By expanding its academic programs and supporting high-caliber research, the university is poised to enhance its reputation, attract top talent, and contribute meaningfully to national development. Students and faculty alike stand to benefit from these forward-thinking initiatives, which promise to foster innovation and excellence.
In conclusion, the University of Jos Senate’s approval of the Faculty of Architecture and the unbundling of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine marks a transformative moment in the institution’s history. Coupled with a new research incentive program, these moves underscore UNIJOS’s commitment to academic innovation and global relevance. As the university implements these changes, it is set to empower a new generation of professionals and researchers, cementing its place as a leader in Nigerian higher education. For updates on these developments, visit www.unijos.edu.ng or follow the university’s official communications channels.
