Academic activities at University of Jos (UNIJOS) are set to fully resume following a return to calm after the deadly March 29 attack on Angwan Rukuba in Plateau State, which claimed over 30 lives, including two students of the institution.
Vice-Chancellor Tanko Ishaya confirmed during a press briefing that the violence had a direct impact on the university community. According to him, two students were killed, while three others and a staff member sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
“We unfortunately lost two of our dear students,” Ishaya said, expressing condolences to the affected families. The victims were identified as Abel Joro Gershon and Adeyomo Oluwafemi Temitope, who were killed in separate incidents linked to the crisis.
The attack on Angwan Rukuba, a host community for many students and staff, led to the imposition of a curfew in Jos North Local Government Area. This forced the university to suspend and reschedule its first-semester examinations.
Ishaya explained that exams scheduled from March 30 into early April were postponed in line with security directives, with further disruptions caused by renewed violence along Bauchi Road on April 1.
“In line with security measures, the university rescheduled examinations to protect the lives of staff and students,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the evacuation of students by some state governments and organisations, describing the move as counterproductive.
“The university was not closed, but evacuations created unnecessary fear and the impression that campuses were unsafe,” he noted.
Despite the unrest in surrounding communities, the vice-chancellor maintained that all UNIJOS campuses remained secure throughout the crisis, with no recorded breach of peace.
Security agencies, including the military and police, were said to have reinforced safety on campus, with top officials visiting to reassure students and staff.
With calm now restored, the university has fixed April 13 for the continuation of examinations.
“Campus security has been greatly enhanced,” Ishaya assured. “We want to reassure students and parents that the university environment remains safe.”
While normalcy is returning, the incident highlights the broader impact of insecurity on education, as violence continues to disrupt academic activities and expose students to risks beyond campus grounds.
The university extended condolences to the bereaved families and called for continued support from government, security agencies, host communities, and the media to prevent future occurrences.
