Following the recent Palm Sunday attack on the residents of Angwan Rukuba by suspected Islamists, which left scores dead, the management of the University of Jos, north-central Nigeria, has evacuated students to safety.
In a statement, the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu noted that “in view of the general security situation in Jos, and particularly the near chaotic scenarios that unfolded today (Wednesday 1st April 2026), in areas near the University, which heightened tensions and threatened the safety of students in the hostels, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya has directed the immediate evacuation of students of the University from the hostels.
“The evacuation is facilitated by His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who has provided transport services, fully authorised to carry out the assignment even within the curfew hours.”
Governor Mutfwang provided transport services to convey students out of the campus hostels even during curfew hours.
The evacuations started on Wednesday, 1st April 2026 at 3:pm f”or students who live within Jos and environs (only),” and on Thursday, 2nd April 2026 at 8:am “for students whose parents/guardians live outside Jos and environs,” the University noted.
Assuring that “adequate security has been put in place to protect the hostels and the University at large,” the management also provided phone numbers (08035895323 & 08033848145) for enquiries on the evacuation.
The second-generation university, established in 1975 after first-generation universities such as Ibadan, Nsukka, Ife, Zaria and Lagos, which were founded between 1948 and 1962, invoked the divine, stressing that “In fragile times like these, may our confidence in the LORD be steadfast.”
The registrar stated that “further relevant updates will be communicated as management directs,” disclosing that “The Vice Chancellor assures the University community that management is exploring all means within its disposal to ensure that the University is safe.”
A fatal attack on Sunday night, 29th March 2026, in Angwan Rukuba—an area that houses many UNIJOS staff and students—resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
The university management suspended all ongoing examinations originally scheduled for March 30 and 31 to prioritise the safety of students and staff.
The Plateau State Government had imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to restore order and allow security agencies to track the perpetrators.
