The Department of English, University of Jos, has donated some books to the Anaguta community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.
Prof. Jeff Doki, the Head of Department, presented the books to Mr. Johnson Magaji, the Ujah Anaguta and Chiarman Jos North Traditional Council, on Thursday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anaguta community is the host community of the university.
Doki said that the gesture was part of its community service and engagement.
According to him, the gesture is aimed at promoting reading culture particularly, among the young ones in the community.
He added that it would further cement the already existing relationship between the university and its host community.
“It is important that we change the perception that community service or engagement is a philanthropic or charitable activity.
“Rather, community engagement is an activity of reciprocity which respects the fact that knowledge exists both in the university and in the community as well.
“It is our conviction that if the university is capable of having a fruitful engagement with the community, the university’s reputation will be significantly improved.
“It is against this backdrop that the department of English University of Jos finds it necessary to present these volumes of books to the Anaguta people so that you can distribute same to some secondary schools in Anaguta community.
“The books are made up of the two components of language and literature and they contain invaluable information on English studies.
“But over and above all, in presenting these books, the aim of the department of English is to promote a reading culture among Nigerians, especially among secondary school children, ”he said.
“Apart from these books, the department is happy to announce that one of her staff members and daughter of the Anaguta nation, Mrs. Vera Anap, is also carrying out a Ph.D. research on Anaguta proverbs.
“The research is entitled: A Literary Study of Themes and Functions of Ushizhih-Iguta (Anaguta Proverbs),” he said.
Receiving the items, the Ujah, thanked the department for the gesture.
Magaji, represented by Mr. Aminu Dogo, the District Head of Targom, assured the department and the university of his continuous support and cooperation.
He said that the books would not only promote reading culture, but enhance teaching and learning in secondary schools in the community.
“This gesture is timely and will enhance teaching and learning in our schools.
” We are going to use these materials judiciously for good of our children and the even generation yet unborn”, he said
The chief maintained that the community had enjoyed cordial relationship with the university and promised to ensure it waxed stronger.
“We donated our lands to the university and aside what was paid for economic trees, no compensation was given to our people.
“But I can categorically say that we are reaping the dividends of this donation; the university has been so helpful to the Anaguta people.
“So, we will continue to synergize with this department and the university in general for the growth of our society,” he said.(NAN)
