Academic activities at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) are expected to fully recommence following a restoration of calm after the fatal 29 March attack on the Angwan Rukuba community in Plateau State, which claimed more than 33 lives, including two students of the university.
UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor, Tanko Ishaya, confirmed at a press briefing that the violence directly affected the university community, leading to the deaths of two students and injuries to three others.
“The aftermath of the killings left over 25 persons dead, and so many with various degrees of injuries,” he said on Thursday, while offering condolences to the affected families and communities.
He added, “We unfortunately lost two of our dear students,” noting that others, including a staff member, are currently undergoing treatment for gunshot and related injuries.
The deceased students—Abel Joro Gershon and Adeyomo Oluwafemi Temitope—were killed in separate incidents connected to the unrest.
The attack on Angwan Rukuba, a host community for many students and staff, prompted a government-imposed curfew in Jos North Local Government Area, compelling the university to suspend and reschedule its ongoing first-semester examinations.
Ishaya explained that examinations slated from 30 March through early April were postponed in accordance with security directives, a situation further complicated by fresh violence on 1 April along Bauchi Road.
“In tandem with the security measures, the university management decided to reschedule examinations… to safeguard the lives of our staff and students,” he stated.
Amid the tension, many students were evacuated by state governments and organisations, a step the university described as counterproductive.
“Management made it clear that the university was not closed,” he said. “However, the process of evacuating students heightened fears that the campuses were insecure.”
Despite disturbances in surrounding areas, the vice-chancellor maintained that the campuses remained secure throughout the crisis.
“Let me state clearly that since the beginning of the crisis, no single breach of the peace was recorded on any of our campuses,” he said, adding that security agencies acted promptly to safeguard the institution.
He disclosed that senior security officials, including military and police authorities, visited the university to strengthen security and reassure both students and staff.
With calm now restored, the university has scheduled 13 April for the continuation of examinations.
“As we speak, campus security has been greatly enhanced,” Ishaya assured. “I want to assure students and parents that security has been beefed up on campus… and in the entire city of Jos.”
As normalcy gradually returns, the incident highlights the increasing impact of insecurity on academic institutions, disrupting learning and exposing students to risks beyond campus boundaries.
The university management extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called for continued support from government, security agencies, host communities, and the media to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.