From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Calm has returned to the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following a brief disruption in academic activities caused by a peaceful protest by students over poor sanitary conditions in their hostels.
The protest, aimed at drawing attention to delays in cleaning services and poor maintenance, has now been resolved after a transparent engagement between the university management and the student body.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the institution’s Senior Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications, Abdullahi Abdullahi, the university said the protest stemmed partly from a lack of accurate information, which led to some misunderstandings regarding its efforts.
“The University Administration has been working actively to resolve the delayed cleaning services, which caused discomfort in students’ living conditions,” the statement read.
Management held a meeting with student leaders where details of the cleaning contract and financial processes were explained. Contrary to claims in some quarters, no cleaning contractor is being owed nine months’ payment. Instead, the university clarified that it has cleared about five months of arrears despite financial constraints.
It added that delays in crediting some contractors were due to procedural issues inherent in public financial systems, and not because of neglect. Furthermore, payments are only made after completion of work, in line with contractual obligations.
“Contractors who did not work during the review period cannot expect payment for services not rendered,” the university said.
Following the clarification, both parties agreed to end the protest. The university has since approved the immediate commencement of hostel renovations and waste evacuation to improve sanitary conditions.
The management commended the students for their peaceful approach and commitment to dialogue, which it said reflects the spirit of cooperation UNIJOS stands for.
Academic activities have fully resumed across the institution.