University of Jos Mwaghavul Community hosts maiden Colloquium and Puus Manshak 2026, promoting education, mentorship, and community development
The University of Jos Mwaghavul Community on Saturday, July 4, 2026, held its maiden colloquium and Puus Manshak 2026 at the Millennium Event Centre, Domkat Bali Road, Jos, Plateau State.
The event, themed around education, mentorship, and community development, brought together academics, professionals, traditional leaders, students, and other distinguished sons and daughters of Mwaghavul extraction to deliberate on strategies for advancing the community through knowledge, collaboration, and shared values.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the University of Jos Mwaghavul Community, Professor Plangsat Bitrus Dayil, who is also the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, explained that the maiden colloquium and Puus Manshak meaning “A Day of Knowing Ourselves” was conceived to promote the value of education, strengthen community engagement, and build a sustainable mentorship culture among Mwaghavul academics and younger generations.
According to her, the initiative seeks to create awareness, encourage collaboration among Mwaghavul scholars, identify members areas of specialization for effective mentorship, and inspire students to pursue academic excellence. She noted that the deliberate inclusion of the National Association of Mwaghavul Students (NAMS) was aimed at nurturing future leaders and ensuring continuity in the community’s educational and developmental aspirations.
The Father of the Day and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Monday Yakiban Mangvwat, applauded the initiative and encouraged the organizers to sustain the programme, describing it as a worthy platform for intellectual and community development.
Also speaking, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul Jos, HRH Da. Timothy Yawus, commended Professor Dayil for the vision behind the colloquium and assured the community of his continued prayers and support for its sustainability. The President of the Mwaghavul Women Wing, Na. Mrs. Grace Joseph Gora, also praised the initiative and pledged the women’s unwavering support towards its continued success.
Earlier, Professor Danjuma Danshik Dajab, who moderated one of the sessions, emphasized that the colloquium provides an opportunity to bring Mwaghavul intellectuals together under one umbrella to renew their collective commitment to the growth of the community. He noted that such engagement would strengthen intellectual cooperation and position the Mwaghavul Nation to compete more effectively in academic and developmental pursuits.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the keynote paper titled “Education as a Pathway to Collective Advancement”, delivered by Professor Ishaya Longdet. The presentation examined the transformative role of education in promoting social progress, leadership, and sustainable community development.
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Professor David Wonang, with Professor Sati Yohana Chanle, Professor Chentu Dauda, and Professor Joseph Maina Musa serving as panelists. The session explored practical approaches to strengthening education, mentorship, research collaboration, and community development among Mwaghavul professionals and scholars.
Delivering an extempore goodwill message, the Managing Director of Jos Water Services Corporation, Engr. Apollos Samchi, congratulated the University of Jos Mwaghavul Community for organizing the historic maiden colloquium, describing it as a timely initiative that promotes unity, preserves cultural heritage, and encourages intellectual engagement among members. He commended the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his commitment to the development of the state, particularly the approval of ₦30 million to improve water supply at the University of Jos. Engr. Samchi noted that the Governor’s investments in infrastructure, education, security, and human capital development continue to positively impact the lives of Plateau citizens. He urged members of the Mwaghavul community to remain united, uphold their cultural values, and continue contributing meaningfully to the development of the University, Plateau State, and Nigeria.
The colourful event concluded with captivating cultural dance performances and an interactive session, providing participants with an opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate their rich cultural heritage, and reaffirm their collective commitment to the advancement of the Mwaghavul Nation.