Staff of the University of Jos who are indigenes of Plateau State have raised concerns over the safety of staff and students of the University following the recent unrest in Jos North which has left the university community unsafe, with staff and students becoming victims. They made this know while addressing a press conference in Jos the Plateau State Capital. Chairman of the group Prof Nesto M.D Chagok who read the Press text on their behalf noted that “The University has suffered the loss of several students and staff around the hostels and staff quarters as well as other areas where they reside in Jos. Hence they requested that security provisions be made and other measures be taken to safeguard the environment so that staff and students can concentrate and pursue the course of building the future of our nation through raising well educated people in a secure atmosphere.
Prof Chagok itemized the group’s recommendations to be taken seriously by government in order to win over the confidence of staff and students to return to their pursuits at the institution.
They include;
(i) The University Management in consultation with the Federal Government must reclaim the University’s land encroached upon on the Bauchi Road and Naraguta campuses
(ii) Government should establish a Mobile Barracks in the vicinity of the campus.
(iii) The Management should hasten the relocation of all Faculties and Departments from Bauchi Road to Naraguta campus and College of Health Sciences to Lamingo Campus respectively.
(iv) The Management in consultation with the Federal Government should acquire and relocate all communities within the radius of 2-3 kilometers around the University Permanent Site.
(v) The Management in consultation with the Federal Government should open a major entry gate at the north western part of the University towards Zaria Road.
(vi) Government should dualize the road along village hostel with a deep and wide trench in between the road to the University fence right through to Bauchi Junction, to Naraguta Hostel that is along the Bauchi Road and its surroundings.
(vii) Government should raise security towers at intervals of 1Km round the school manned by armed and trained/licensed University security guards.
(viii) Management should procure students buses that should be plying designated routes.
(ix) Management should continue to dialogue with neighboring communities on the need to live in peace with the university community.
The group condemned recent attacks in Mangu, Riyom, Bassa and Jos North LGAs which left scores dead, thousands displaced and valuable property destroyed. They condoled with the families of victims, while urging security agencies to double up efforts in securing communities. The Press Text was jointly signed by Prof Nesto M. D Chagok and Mr Gogwim Joel Godwin Chairman and Secretary respectively.
Nigeria Star News 