Insecurity: UNIJOS suspends ongoing semester exams indefinitely

*The Management of the University of Jos, in Plateau State of Nigeria, has strongly urged students of the institution resident in hostels to remain within their hostels of residence and avoid unnecessary movements as the state government imposes curfew

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In view of the intensifying security breach in the state, the Management of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), in Jos, Plateau State capital, has announced the suspension of its ongoing examinations indefinitely.

ConsumerConnect reports the University’s authorities are urging the staff and students to exercise utmost caution and comply with security directives following the reported eerie security situation in the state.

Mr. Abdullahi Abdullahi, Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications of UNIJOS, in a statement said that the University also advised students that are resident in the hostels to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movements.

The statement noted: “Following the unfortunate security breach that occurred in some parts of Jos Metropolis, which has led the Plateau State Government to impose a 24-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area, Management of the University of Jos has approved the suspension of the ongoing second semester examinations for the 2019/2020 Academic Session.

“Consequently, all examinations earlier scheduled between Monday 16th and Saturday 21st, August, 2021, have been suspended until further notice.”

The University’s Deputy Registrar of Information and Publications also stated: “All Students of the University residing in the various hostels are hereby strongly advised to remain within their hostels of residence and avoid unnecessary movements as Management has been working round the clock in close collaboration with the security agencies and the Plateau State Government to ensure that the lives and properties of members of the University community, especially students are adequately protected.

“Students that are resident outside the campuses are also advised to remain at home during this period.”

Meanwhile, the University of Jos has also advised members its staff to remain at home in compliance with the imposed 24-hour curfew in the North-Central state of the country.

Abdullahi said: “Similarly, staff of the University are enjoined to remain at home while the 24-hour curfew remains in effect.”

The statement added that the Management of the university expressed gratitude for the great concern the Plateau State Government, security agencies, and members of the public had shown to the institution over the plight of the University in the crisis period.

NUC approves 23 Degree courses for Federal College, Pankshin

In a related development, Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted accreditation for 23 Degree courses in the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, in Plateau State.

It was gathered the NUC in a letter issued Saturday, August 14, 2021, communicated the accreditation of the 23 Degree courses to Dr. Amos Cirfat, Provost of the Federal tertiary institution.

Mr. Istifanus Kyakmut, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, in a statement said the Provost informed the institution’s Academic Board of the accreditation in a meeting.

The PRO stated that the full accreditation of the 23 Bachelor of Education courses was the aftermath of a visit by the NUC team that assessed the institution’s programmes between March and April 2021.

Dr. Cirfat commended the NUC’s professionalism and magnanimity and thanked all the staff of the College for their steadfastness and commitment to ensuring the realisation of the accreditation of the courses in the institution.

The Provost, who doubles as Chairman, Committee of Provosts, Colleges of Education in Nigeria, also applauded the authorities of the University of Jos for their good partnership and helping the institution get their programmes accredited.

He promised to ensure that the College continues to be a centre of academic excellence in all spheres of life, and ensure prudent management of the institution’s resources to have the desired growth and development it deserves in the country.