At 62, Prof. Isaac Itodo Invites Benue to ‘Come and See’ the JOSTUM Story of Grace, Service and Transformation

By Francis Urrah

As Professor Isaac Nathaniel Itodo, Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), clocks 62, the occasion goes beyond the familiar birthday rituals of goodwill messages, felicitations and celebrations.

For the university administrator, scholar and professor, the milestone provides a moment of reflection—a time to pause, look back on the journey so far, and acknowledge the hand of God in his life and service to humanity.

More significantly, Professor Itodo has chosen to use his 62nd birthday as an opportunity to place his stewardship before the people of Benue State, members of the JOSTUM community, professionals, friends, partners and other stakeholders.

His message is simple but profound: come and see.

Come and see what God has enabled his administration to accomplish at JOSTUM since he assumed office as vice-chancellor in March 2023.

Come and see the changes, the developments, the challenges overcome, the opportunities created and the institutional transformation that, in his own estimation, has been made possible by divine grace, collective effort and purposeful leadership.

“Come and See”

There is an unmistakable biblical resonance in the invitation.

In the Gospel narrative, when Philip encountered Nathanael and told him about Jesus, Nathanael expressed doubt. Philip’s response was famously simple: “Come and see.”

The invitation was not an argument. It was an invitation to witness, to encounter and to make a judgement based on what one sees.

In a somewhat similar spirit, Professor Itodo is extending an invitation to the people of Benue and the JOSTUM community.

He is, in effect, saying, ‘Come and see.’

The comparison is not to suggest that the vice-chancellor considers himself a biblical figure or Messiah. Rather, the significance lies in the nature of the invitation: do not merely hear about the work—come and see it for yourself.

That message gives the birthday celebration a deeper dimension. It transforms the occasion from a personal anniversary into an institutional moment.

Three Years of Leadership, A Story Still Unfolding

Professor Itodo assumed office as Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, in March 2023.

Come and see.

Come and see what God has done.

Come and see what purposeful leadership, collective effort and institutional commitment can achieve.

Come and see the journey of JOSTUM since March 2023.

Come and see the work.

Come and see the transformation.

And after seeing, let the story speak for itself.

Happy 62nd Birthday, Professor Isaac Nathaniel Itodo.

May the years ahead bring greater wisdom, renewed strength and even more opportunities to serve God, humanity and the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University community.

THE ‘COME AND SEE’

1. INVENTORY WALK PATHWAY: 20 LOCATIONS VISITED

The independent field verification covered 20 locations across the university, documented according to the order of movement during the walkthrough.

1. School Gate (Main Entrance)

2. South Core Axis

3. College of Education

4. College of Veterinary Medicine

5. College of Science

6. Works and Maintenance Department

7. Students’ Hostels (South Core)

8. Middle Core

9. Security Department

10. University Clinic

11. College of Food Science and Technology

12. College of Management Sciences

13. College of Engineering

14. Students’ Hostels (North Core)

15. College of Agricultural Economics and Extension

16. Agronomy

17. Francis Sulemanu Idachaba Library

18. Administrative Block

19. Aper Aku Auditorium

20. College of Animal Science (End Point)

Summary: 20 locations physically visited across academic, administrative, residential, security and service areas.

2. RENOVATED PROJECTS: 25 VERIFIED INTERVENTIONS

The independent verification identified 25 renovated projects/interventions, all recorded as verified.

1. Renovation of the Main School Gate Entrance

2. Renovation of the Science Lecture Theatre

3. Renovation of the Career Service Centre Building

4. Renovation of the Research and Development Centre Building

5. Renovation of the University Clinic

6. Renovation of the Engr. Funsho Kupolokun Lecture Theatre, College of Engineering

7. Renovation of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Old Building

8. Renovation of the College of Engineering Lecture Theatre

9. Renovation of the College of Agricultural Economics and Extension Lecture Theatre

10. Renovation of the College of Agricultural Economics and Extension Building

11. Renovation of the College of Animal Science Lecture Theatre

12. Renovation of the College of Animal Science Lecture and Office Building

13. Renovation of Hostels at South Core

14. Renovation of Hostels at North Core

15. Renovation of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

16. Renovation of the Building Housing the Department of Telecommunication Engineering

17. Renovation of the Building Housing the Department of Computer Engineering

18. Renovation of the Engineering Workshop at the College of Engineering

19. Renovation of the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge

20. Renovation of the Police Station Unit on Campus

21. Return of Five Nigerian Police Officers to be Permanently Stationed on Campus

22. Design and Introduction of New Uniforms and Kits for the JOSTUM Security Department

23. Procurement of Five New Motorcycles for Security Patrol on Campus

24. Procurement of Over Sixty Walkie-Talkie Gadgets for Effective Security Communication

25. Introduction of a Comprehensive Security Patrol Coordinated with the DSS and the Nigerian Army

Summary: 25 renovated projects/interventions, all verified, including 5 major security interventions.

3. COMPLETED PROJECTS: 12 VERIFIED PROJECTS

The verification identified 12 completed projects, all recorded as verified.

1. Installation of CCTV Cameras at Strategic Places Around the School Campus

2. Semi-Fencing of the College of Education

3. Construction of the New Security Department Building

4. Construction of the 500-Seater Capacity Sonny Echono Auditorium at the College of Food Technology and Human Ecology

5. Construction of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Building

6. Construction of the Agricultural Extension and Communication Building

7. Construction of the Agronomy Research Centre

8. Construction of a Parking Lot at the Prof. Anande Kimbir Senate Building

9. Construction of a Parking Lot at the College of Agricultural Economics and Extension

10. Construction of a Parking Lot at the Sonny Echono Auditorium

11. Construction of the Drawing Studio and Library Building at the College of Engineering

12. Construction of the Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology Building

Summary: 12 completed projects, all verified. Renovated plus completed projects:

4. ONGOING PROJECTS: 6 VERIFIED PROJECTS

The verification identified 6 ongoing projects, all recorded as verified.

1. Construction of an International Conference Centre

2. Fencing of the Male and Female Hostels at South Core

3. Construction of the College of Computing Science

4. Construction of the ICT Building

5. Construction of the Entrepreneurship Centre

6. Construction of a Green House Consisting of 5 Separate Units

Summary: 6 ongoing projects, all verified. Renovated + completed + ongoing projects: 43.

5. THE 43 PROJECTS REPRESENTED IN THE HISTOGRAM

The histogram accompanying this message presents four key figures:

20 Locations Visited | 25 Renovated Projects | 12 Completed Projects | 6 Ongoing Projects

The three project categories give us the following: 25 renovated + 12 completed + 6 ongoing = 43 projects.

This is why ’43’ is prominently displayed as the Grand Total Projects in the graphic.

6. THE COMPLETE VERIFICATION REPORT IDENTIFIED 64 PROJECTS

The full independent verification report contains another category: 21 new sign posts.

The report’s summary records:

21 New Sign Posts + 25 Renovated Projects + 12 Completed Projects + 6 Ongoing Projects = 64 Total Projects Identified.

Therefore, the 43 shown in the histogram represent the combined figure for renovated, completed and ongoing projects, while the complete verification report records 64 projects identified when the 21 new signposts are included.

I consider this clarification important because accountability requires us to present figures honestly and in their proper context.

7. BEYOND THE NUMBERS

But infrastructure is not simply about buildings.

Behind every renovated lecture theatre is a better environment for teaching and learning. Behind every completed building is an opportunity for academic activity, research or administration. Behind every security intervention is an effort to create a safer university community. Behind every ongoing project is a vision of what JOSTUM can become.

And behind every achievement is the collective effort of people who believe in the future of this institution.

I therefore do not present these achievements as the work of one individual. They are the result of collective responsibility.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Governing Council, principal officers, deans, directors, heads of departments, academic and non-academic staff, students, contractors, development partners, government agencies and every member of the JOSTUM family who has contributed to the journey.