UNIJOS VC Speaks On Current Situation On Campus, Says University Not Closed

By Ayodele Oni

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof Tanko Ishaya, has clarified that despite security challenges in Plateau state, the university has not closed down.

Prof Ishaya gave the assurance during a press briefing on the March 29 Angwan Rukuba attacks and their impact on the university’s academic activities.

Describing the incident as tragic, the Vice-Chancellor confirmed the loss of two students, while two others and a staff member sustained varying degrees of injuries.

He identified the deceased students as Abel Joro Gershon, a 300-level Building student who died from gunshot wounds, and Adeyomo Oluwafemi Temitope, a 500-level Quantity Surveying student who was killed during fresh violence along Bauchi Road.

Prof Ishaya expressed condolences to the affected families and communities, noting that the attack prompted swift action from the Plateau State Government, which imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to contain the crisis.

He disclosed that the university had commenced its first semester examinations on March 16 before the violence erupted.

However, due to the worsening security situation, management rescheduled examinations initially slated for March 30 and 31, as well as those fixed for early April.

Despite the disruption, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the university remained open and operational.

He further revealed that arrangements had been made to assist students willing to travel during the Easter break.

However, the situation became complicated when some state governments and organizations independently deployed buses to evacuate students without coordinating with the university.

Academic activities, he said, resumed on April 7 after the Easter break, while examinations are now scheduled to continue on April 13, giving students who traveled sufficient time to return.

“The university was not closed at any time, and there was no directive for total evacuation,” he clarified, stressing that all campuses remained secure throughout the crisis.

He assured students and parents that security has been significantly strengthened on campus, along access roads, and across the city of Jos.

Prof Ishaya appealed to students, parents, and the general public to remain calm, assuring that the situation is under control. He also commended neighboring communities for their support in protecting students during the crisis.