The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has clarified that the institution was never shut down despite the recent wave of violence in parts of Jos, even as he confirmed the death of two students following the March 29 attacks in Angwan Rukuba.
The Vice Chancellor, while speaking during a press conference at the Permanent site of the University on Thursday in Jos, said the decision to reschedule examinations and allow students to travel during the Easter break was purely precautionary and not indicative of a closure.
He explained that the attacks by gunmen on March 29 in Angwan Rukuba, a community housing many students and staff, left over 30 persons dead and several others injured, describing the incident as “tragic and deeply distressing.”
The don, who condoled with affected families and communities, noted that the Plateau State Government swiftly imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to contain the situation.
According to him, the university had already commenced first semester examinations on March 16 before the crisis erupted, but management had to reschedule papers slated for March 30 and 31, as well as those fixed for early April, in line with security advisories.
“Let me state clearly that at no time during the crisis did management direct that the university should be closed or that students should be totally evacuated”.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as “uncoordinated evacuation efforts” by some state governments and organisations, which sent buses to remove students without prior consultation with the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor said the development created panic and gave the impression that the campuses were unsafe, despite assurances from management and security agencies.
While providing details of casualties, Prof. Ishaya disclosed that five members of the university community were affected by the violence, including four students and one staff member.
He said two students, Abel Joro Gershon, a 300-level Building student, and Adeyomo Oluwafemi Temitope, a 500-level Quantity Surveying student, lost their lives in separate incidents.
While Gershon died from injuries sustained during the Angwan Rukuba attack, Temitope was reportedly killed along Bauchi Road after leaving campus during renewed violence on April 1.
Three others, including a staff member of the Directorate of Student Affairs and two students, sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities.
“The entire university community is deeply saddened by these losses and is praying for the repose of the deceased and comfort for their families.
Prof. Ishaya, however, disclosed that management immediately engaged security agencies at both state and national levels, leading to increased deployment of personnel on campus and surrounding areas.
He noted that top security officials, including the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, visited the university to assure management of enhanced protection.
He added that there was no recorded breach of peace within any of the university campuses throughout the crisis.
According to him, normal academic activities resumed on April 7 after the Easter break, while examinations will continue on April 13 to accommodate students who travelled.
The Vice-Chancellor reassured parents and students that security had been significantly strengthened within the university and across Jos metropolis.
He also commended neighbouring communities for supporting and protecting students during the crisis, urging continued collaboration.
Ishaya appealed to the media to support the institution with accurate reportage, noting that misinformation could worsen tensions.
He further expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Governor, security agencies, medical personnel, and other stakeholders for their prompt intervention and support.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our students and staff while sustaining academic excellence,” he added.
