by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Following a temporary disruption of academic activities due to a peaceful protest conducted by a group of students at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), calm and normalcy has fully return to the institution.
Our Correspondent recalled that, the protest was aimed at “highlighting concerns over the sanitary conditions in the student hostels,” which has been addressed with transparency and a cooperative spirit between the University Administration and the Student body.
A statement to this regard was signed and issued to our Correspondent in Jos, on Saturday, by Senior Deputy Registrar Information and Publications, Abdullahi Abdullahi.
According to the statement, “The University Administration has been actively working to address the issue of delayed cleaning services and facilities updates, which had caused some discomfort in the living conditions of the students.
“Regrettably, a lack of accurate information initially contributed to some misunderstandings regarding the University’s efforts in this regard.
“Following the disruptions, the University Management immediately convened a constructive meeting with the students where they were presented with comprehensive details of the issues in contention, in order to dispel prior misconceptions as, contrary to information in some quarters, no Cleaning Contractor was being owed nine months of unpaid claims.”
It stated further that, “Rather, despite limited resources, the University has cumulatively successfully cleared about five months of outstanding payments.
“However, the delay in crediting some of the Cleaning Contractors resulted from some procedural aspects inherent in financial transactions of this nature, not due to a neglect of obligations by the University Management.
“Similarly, it must be emphasized that contractual payments are processed only after the completion of the agreed work, in alignment with standard operational protocols, not before.
“Therefore, Contractors, who had undertaken not to work within the period under review, could not expect to be paid for doing no work.
“With these clarifications, the University and Student representatives agreed that the protest should be discontinued.
“In this regard, the University Administration has swiftly approved the commencement of hostel renovations and immediate waste evacuation to enhance sanitary conditions.
“The University Management commended the Students for their peaceful engagement and willingness to address their concerns through dialogue, reinforcing the spirit of community and cooperation that the University of Jos prides itself on.
“This resolution ensures that academic activities have resumed without further interruptions, focusing on a positive educational atmosphere for the Students, Staff, Stakeholders and entire University community.”