Killings: Plateau Varsity Tightens Security, Resumes Academic Activities

The Plateau State University, Bokkos, has announced the resumption of academic activities after the Christmas and New Year break.

Some gunmen attacked communities in three local government areas of Plateau State, killing over 150 residents.

Bokkos Local Government Area housing the state university is one of the council areas where gunmen attacked 25 communities and killed over 150 persons on Christmas eve.

“The Senate of Plateau State University Bokkos met on Monday, January 8, 2024, upholding the resumption and the continuation of 2022/2023 academic activities.

“In this regard, normal academic work in the university commenced on Monday, 8th January 2024”, the University said on Tuesday in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, John Agam.

It was learnt that during the meeting, the Senate also approved the admission list of the first batch of postgraduate students of the University and directed that registration and lectures commence this week, on the 12th of January 2024.

Agam said the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Matur Malau Bernard, urged both staff and students of the university to resume immediately in order not to miss any lectures which may affect their academic performance.

He also said that some security measures had been put in place by the institution to ensure the safety and protection of staff and students.

He said, “Professor Matur reiterated his commitment to enhanced academic culture and enduring legacy through the training of undergraduates and postgraduate students that would take over from the present crop of lecturers and urged members of the Staff Unions not to diminish this vision.

“While assuring members of the University community that far-reaching measures have been taken to address the security situation in and around the university, management has deployed a detachment of the Special Task Force of Operation Safe Haven Bokkos Area Command, siting of the Police Station around the university, deployment of operatives of the Civil Defence Corp, and recruitment of members of the hunters association of Nigeria and recent training on security operations for the internal security of the University, all to beef up security on the campus.

“Professor Matur said that since he assumed office fully in June last year, he has approved training programmes for 67 academic staff to further their education in various universities within and outside the country. More plans are on the way for more to be considered soon.

“He said the University under his leadership has also improved the learning condition of the university through the installation of solar farms, and refurbishing of lecture halls, staff offices and furniture.

“During the meeting, the Senate approved the admission list of the first batch of postgraduate students of the University. Registration and lectures will commence this week, on the 12th of January 2024.

“Senate observed a minute silence in honour of a member of staff Damaris David Yakubu and three students of the University who died during the Christmas break.”