Distinguished Alumni Profile

Senator (Dr.) Jonathan Silas Zwingina             Senator (Dr.) Jonathan Silas Zwingina was born on 1 August, 1954 in Falu, Guyuk Local Government of Adamawa State.            He attended Government Secondary School, Bauchi, 1970-74 for his Secondary School Education which he finished with Distinction. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan where he obtained Bachelor (B.Sc.) and Master (M.Sc.) degrees in Political Science in 1978 and 1982 respectively. Thereafter, in 1987, he was awarded a Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Politics by the Flinders University of South Australia. Senator (Dr.) Jonathan Zwingina also possesses the United Nations Graduate Certificate, Geneva, 1981; Diploma in Journalism from the International Correspondence College, Sydney, Australia, 1987 and a Top Management Certificate of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Lagos, 1990.               The Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a man of varied talents which have been deployed in the service of our great Nation, Nigeria, and indeed humanity.              He was Member, Gongola State Interim University Council, 1980-81; Member, Flinders University Council, 1985-87; Producer, Current Affairs, Gongola Broadcasting Corporation, 1979’ Lecturer, College of Preliminary Studies, Yola, 1979-83;Part time Lecturer, Flinders University of South Australia, 1985-87; Member, Board of Directors of Gongola Broadcasting Corporation, 1987-89; Gongola Television Corporation, 1987-89; Gongola Press Limited, 1987-1990; Gongola Agency for Mass Education, 1988-1990; Director and Chief Executive, Directorate for Social Mobilization, Office of the President, Gongola State, 1987-1990, and Plateau State, 1991-1992; National Campaign Coordinator, Hope ’93 Campaign Organisation, 1992-93; Honorable Commissioner for Health, Adamawa State, 1994-95; Honourable Commissioner, Water Resources and Rural Development, Adamawa State, 1995-97; Chairman, Senate Committee on Works and Housing, 1999-2000; Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, 2000-2001; Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, 2001-2003; Deputy Senate Leader, 2003 to date; Vice-Chairman of Council, Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World.             Senator Zwingina is a recipient of several Fellowships and Awards. He is Member, United Nations Club 22, Geneva, Member, Nigerian Political Science Association; Fellow, Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria, and recipient of its highest award Certified and Distinguished Administrator (CDA); Honorary Member, American Nigeria International Chamber of Commerce and Industry; “Certificate of Achievement” by the Legislative Platform; “Certificate of Life Membership” by University of Ibadan Alumni Association; Development in Nigeria Merit Award” by People, State and Residence Magazine; “Distinguished West Africa Leadership Gold Award” by Intercontinental Media Network; “West Africa” International Magazine; “Award for Excellence” by Radio Nigeria; Award of Excellence, Nigeria Baptist Convention Youth Conference; Philanthropic Gold Award, Rolam Communications,“Merit Award” by Roots African Organisation; Meritorious Service Certificate, Peoples Democratic Party, National Grass Root Forum; Special Commendation Award, City of Inglewood, California, USA and Award of Doctor of Letters in Political Science (Honoris Causa), St. Clemens University, London Council.           A lover of debates, sports and reading, Senator (Dr.) Zwingina has many publications to his credit. He is happily married with four lovely children