Many students of the University of Jos have been forced to seek accommodation elsewhere as the varsity’s management has ordered immediate closure of all students hostels.
The decision to close the hostels followed an emergency meeting between the management of the university and other stakeholders, including heads of security agencies in the state, the chief security officer of the institution, students representatives.
Revealing these to newsmen, Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications of the University Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi said the university has become a soft target for insecurity, hence the decision for the students to vacate the hostels.
“The meeting deliberated on a security report regarding threats to the University Staff, Students and properties. As a result of this, soft targets like the hostels are in great danger.
“In the light of this development, the hostels are to be closed with immediate effect. Students and other members of the university community are to note and strictly comply with this directive.
“This is in the interest of the safety of students until all security measures have been perfected to protect the campuses as well as the hostels,” he said
While noting that ongoing examinations would continue unhindered Abdullahi called on students and all members of the university community to be security-conscious and report any suspicious movements within the university to the security agencies for a prompt response.