The closure followed the continuation of the students protest on
Tuesday, which they started on Monday.
The students had embarked on a peaceful protest to demand a reduction
in school fees and the abolition of development and other levies.
The protest took a more dangerous turn on Tuesday as the students
blocked a major highway, preventing motorists from passing in front
the campus.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youths and Students
Matters, Mr. Jude Imagwe, has called for restraints on both sides.
In a statement by the university's Registrar, Mr. Jilli Dandam, in Jos
on Tuesday, the school said the directive was to stave off further
protest and to protect lives and property in the school.
The students were also asked to vacate their halls of residence before 2pm.
The statement read, "On Monday November 24, the students of the
University of Jos embarked on peaceful demonstration against certain
issues.
"Management met and issued a release, assuring the students and the
university community that some of the issues raised by the students
were nothing but mere rumours that had no basis. However certain steps
were taken to address all the grievances including shifting the second
semester examination by one week and the setting up of a committee to
look into other issues.
"This morning, Tuesday, November 25, the students mobilised themselves
and blocked the Bauchi Road and set tyres on fire.
"In order to avoid further escalation of the situation, the management
met this morning and decided that the school be closed down until
further notice. Students are therefore directed to vacate their
hostels on or before 2pm."
--PUNCH
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