The University of Jos has directed the immediate evacuation of students from its hostels following escalating insecurity in Jos, Plateau State.
The directive, issued on Wednesday, was conveyed in a statement by the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu.
According to the statement, the decision was taken after violent developments in areas surrounding the university created panic and posed a direct threat to students’ safety.
“In view of the general security situation in Jos, and particularly the near chaotic scenarios that unfolded today, Wednesday, April 1, 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,” the statement read.
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The university management disclosed that the evacuation exercise is being supported by the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who has provided transportation services to facilitate the movement of students, including during curfew hours.
Students residing within Jos and nearby communities were instructed to vacate the hostels from 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, while those whose families are outside the state are to be evacuated starting from 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The institution assured that security personnel have been deployed to protect university facilities and urged members of the academic community to remain calm as the situation is monitored.
The evacuation comes amid renewed violence in parts of Jos, including a recent deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba area, which reportedly left several people dead and triggered widespread tension.
Authorities had earlier imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to contain the crisis before relaxing it to allow limited movement between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
