By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Management of University of Jos, UNIJOS, has appealed to the leadership of Students’ Union Government, SUG, of the institution to show real leadership by retracing their steps to return to the path of dialogue, so that a smooth academic calendar could be achieved.
The management and students of the university had been at loggerheads over hike in school fees, which culminated in street protests.
Speaking with journalists Thursday in Jos, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hayward Mafuyai, regretted the situation which led to the closure of the institution, saying had the students not embarked on the misadventure, there would not have been any indefinite closure.
He added the management’s optimism that the students would end the protest on the first day was shattered as the protest turned violent, resulting in eight students sustaining various degrees of injury.
His words: “It is with a heavy heart that I meet with you to brief you about the unfortunate events that led to the closure of our beloved institution.
“You are aware of the ill-advised move by a section of the student population to embark on ‘peaceful demonstration’.
“What was supposed to be a peaceful assembly to press home certain demands, however unfounded these demands were, soon degenerated into a riotous and violent situation.
“I have said it many times that the university has not at any time contemplated increasing school charges.
“The SUG officials were acting in bad faith and perhaps with an ill-motive. The level at which the university property and that of innocent bystanders were destroyed during the misadventure is disheartening.
“It is unfortunate that they refused to show any remorse. My appeal to them is to show real leadership and return to the path of dialogue so that together, we can salvage what may otherwise seem like a helpless situation.”
Meanwhile, SUG leadership in a statement by Abel Nduu and Dakwom Longgul, President and PRO respectively, said students were ready to return and write exams as soon as their demands were met.
Hi. I’m a Web Developer and Graphics Designer, I enjoy blogging as part-time and I draw a lot when I’m free. Thanks for visiting my blog today and I hope you come back next time.
0 comments:
Post a Comment